In the glittering world of luxury and fashion, Lara Tabet emerges as a pioneering force, seamlessly bridging her Swiss-honed hospitality expertise with the dynamic UAE high-end restaurant industry. Her transformation into a media icon, marked by her roles with ‘Societe’ and ‘City Women,’ has seen her engage with global celebrities at premier events like the Dubai International Film Festival and the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix.
Reflecting on her media journey, Lara notes: “I conducted over 7,000 interviews with celebrities from Arab cinema to Bollywood and Hollywood,” showcasing her extensive influence in the field.
Beyond media, Lara has made a significant impact as a luxury brand ambassador. “I was approached by amazing luxury brands from Europe seeking a presence and a face in the region,” she states, highlighting her role in elevating European luxury brands in the Middle East.
Lara’s reach extends into the realms of fashion and philanthropy. As the Official Spokesperson for the Arab Fashion Council, she advocates for Arab talent. At the same time, her philanthropic spirit is evident in her collaborations with organizations like UNHCR, Rochet Centre for the Disabled, Emirates Red Crescent in Dubai, and St. Jude’s Cancer Hospital in Lebanon. Lara’s journey is not just a story of personal success; it’s a narrative of meaningful impact and inspiration in luxury, media, and social responsibility.
With an ever-growing digital presence in an era where ‘influencers’ are the new wave, influencers are essential for marketing and reaching new audiences. On the other hand, it’s also somewhat superficial and contrived. As a global influencer, Lara’s stance is firm and distinct. “I prefer to use the phrase ‘influential personality.’ I’d never promote a product I don’t believe in,” she declares.
In her words: “To be an influencer is to be honest and true to yourself, as well as the product and client you’re working with – as well as the audience. Don’t promote a product you don’t believe in just because you’re getting paid; after that transaction, it’s long forgotten, whereas an influencer’s work is continuous and consistent.”
The roots of that are trust, truth, and ethics. And Lara believes the future of influence is not marked by transient engagements but deeply rooted in trust and integrity. The ‘influential personality’ Lara embodies underscores a future where authenticity and depth triumph over fleeting allure.
Delving into the critical role of authenticity and trust in influencers’ careers highlights the trend of young people aspiring to become influencers, earning $40,000 a month as their online stars do. For me, this raises questions about how these new-age careers allow financial success without traditional experience, challenging conventional understandings of career growth and success. She emphasizes the importance of discovering and pursuing one’s passion in a chosen field and channeling this passion into creating content for social media. This pursuit demands immense dedication and commitment, often equating to a full-time job due to the extensive time required for photo editing and video creation tasks. Lara shares: “Being an influencer is a full-time job – and that comes with responsibilities and duties.” She believes that success as an influencer comes from total immersion in one’s passion: “The ones that eat it, live it, and breathe it are the successful ones.” Lara is a brand ambassador for several brands. What does that entail? She explains: “I began my journey years ago with the creation of ‘Luxury with Lara,’ a mother company hosting a suite of prestigious brands. This includes Michael Bruggler Watches from Switzerland, offering bespoke, beautifully crafted watches deliverable worldwide within two weeks. Then Margie’s Monte Carlo, boasting the world’s most luxurious skincare, is nestled opposite Monaco’s Hermitage Hotel. My portfolio also features Valor Absolute, a fragrance line; Esmeralda Luxury Real Estate; Danny by Danielle Kaye Jewelry; Diam’s Jewelry; Ormy Jewelry, and more. ‘Luxury with Lara’ not only encompasses these brands but also led to the inception of ‘Our Fashionpreneur.’ This new platform aids both startups and established businesses in achieving their goals, assisting them in securing desirable locations and fulfilling their set targets.”
In an environment saturated with countless brands, pervasive marketing, and influencers launching their product lines, what qualities are essential for brands to possess to achieve lasting success, endurance, and depth? Her answer is illuminating: “In the future, where trends are fluid and fleeting, individuality and customization will be the anchors of enduring elegance.”
That brings the discussion to a subject close to Lara’s heart: the future of fashion. Fashion, for her, is an entity in “perpetual evolution.” A member of the Arab Fashion Council, she’s heavily involved in the fashion industry and its evolution in the region. “The fashion industry has evolved tremendously in this part of the world,” Lara avows. Dubai is a beacon of luxury, quality, and exclusivity, and she sees it weave through the intricate tapestries of culture, politics, and society: “I see many fashion brands using different, environmentally friendly fabrics,” she states. “For example, pineapple fabrics imported from the Philippines are sustainable. Fashion designers are using environmentally friendly technologies. In a few years from now, designers will be releasing designs that actually warm you during the winter and cool you down during the summer.”
It is all glitter and glam for Lara, though. She’s highly involved in charities. Organizing events in Dubai and partnering with groups like the UNHCR, she supports refugee camps and aid institutions worldwide, including orphanages across various African and Asian countries. Emphasizing the significance of her efforts, Lara remarks: “It’s imperative to give back, especially since we’re so privileged and lucky to be in Dubai.”
As the conversation draws to a close, I ask Lara what her message in a bottle would be. Her response’s wisdom resonates with me: “Have a passion, dream, vision; do whatever it takes to make it come true. Today is when it all happens – never keep anything on hold.”
The future, for Lara, is not a silent echo of time but a vibrant, living entity meticulously crafted in the relentless pursuit, realization, and celebration of today’s dreams.
