I spy with my little eye... a Coffee with modern Pin-Up Colette Griplas.

I met the foxy Colette a year ago and I was instantly blown away by her energy. Colette is the designer and partner of Specsaddict, an eyewear retro brand. The glasses/sunglasses are designed by the vintage Colette, produced in Dubai and tailor-made as they do prescription lenses. I, personally love the Art Nouveau model, hello cats eyes! Two cool facts about Specsaddicts: they deliver worldwide for free and you can try the designs online as there is an application that links to your webcam (retro, yet modern!). The brand is constantly evolving with Colette's style and discoveries, for example, she recently created an exclusive collection in partnership with lovely emirati blogger Amna.  

Meet Colette, my favourite Pin Up...

HOB: If you could live in a painting, which one would it be?

C.G.: I would live in The Birth of Venus by Botticelli...I would want to be Aphrodite!

HOB: If you could live in a different era, which one would you pick and why?

C.G.: La Belle Epoque in Paris - the dawning of a new era of fashion, music, philosophy and art.

HOB: What piece of clothing reminds you of your mother/father?

C.G.: A well cut jacket reminds of my mother, and berets remind me of my father.

HOB: What scent takes you right back to your childhood?

C.G.: The smell of the ocean air and a BBQ on a summer afternoon.

HOB: When do you feel on holidays?

C.G.: When I can lose myself in the person I am with - someone else or myself.

HOB: What designer would you take with you on a camel ride?

C.G.: Ohhh, Tom Ford...I wish I was a gay man!

HOB: Your favourite recipe to make?

C.G.: Chocolate and beetroot cupcakes.

HOB: Best piece of advice you were ever given?

C.G.: "Do not ask God for advice if you are not prepared to move your feet". And my Irish grandfather used to tell me that "hair, teeth and shoes" were the secrets to success. 

HOB: What book changed your life?

C.G.: The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy.

HOB: The movie you've watched already 30 times but might watch again tonight?

C.G.: More recently Searching for Sugarman, or an older fave is Moulin Rouge.

HOB: Three favourite spots in Dubai?

C.G.: Um, nowhere! Ok - Talise Ottoman Hamman, Safa Park and my bed.

Check out Specsaddict website and contact Colette here.