Mica Paris will headline the Abu Dhabi Chequered Flag Ball on November 11. Courtesy Mica Paris

Marlene Dietrich is my heroine. I like the androgynous look. Getty Images / Gallo Images

I adore Luxor in Egypt. There is something very magical about it and it has a very calming energy. Victoria Hazou for the National

I go to the gym three times a week and look forward to my after-workout sauna. iStockphoto.com

I'm a real bookworm and historian and devour anything by the archaeologist Graham Hancock. Courtesy Random House Group

I love boots, especially from Prada. However, the UK high street has a great range, especially River Island, Zara and Mango. Courtesy Prada

I'm a real foodie and love the French restaurant La Poule au Pot in Belgravia, London. My local place is Julie's in Holland Park for a good old Sunday lunch. Bloomberg

My children are my greatest achievement. They are 20 years old and 5 years old. They are a miracle! Courtesy Mica Paris

I love Brazilian jazz - Tania Maria is brilliant and I listen to her all the time. I like music that often doesn't have any vocals. Getty Images / Gallo Images

I love the Middle East and Oman. It's a beautiful and fascinating place. I stayed at The Chedi in Muscat earlier this year. Courtesy GHM Hotels

I love wearing scented oils. My favourite ones are from Aromatherapy Associates that contain ylang and ylang and musk. Courtesy The Product House

My eldest daughter is called Monet as I had a real passion for the artist when I was young. Bloomberg

I love the Forties and Fifties era as it was all about tailoring. Fashion is cyclical and what goes around comes around. The designer Roland Mouret has done a great job on the modern-day tux for women. Getty Images / Gallo Images

Denzel Washington never fails in a movie nor do Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood. Bloomberg

Style File: Mica Paris

Jemma Nicholls

The English soul singer, television presenter, actress and author Mica Paris doesn't do things by halves. From shooting to fame in 1988 at the age of 19 with the release of her debut album So Good, she later went on to have 10 hit singles and albums worldwide before eventually moving into television. In 2007 she took over from Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine as a co-presenter on the BBC makeover reality show What Not To Wear; she scrutinised people's looks as a judge on Gok Wan's Channel 4's pageant-style show Miss Naked Beauty, and she has been spun around the dance floor for the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Paris is now recording a long-awaited new album of original material featuring legendary guest singers and musicians and to be released later this year. She is headlining at the Abu Dhabi Chequered Flag Ball on November 11. She talks to Jemma Nicholls about her creative life and passions.

HAVE A BALL

Tickets to the Abu Dhabi Chequered Ball at the St Regis hotel on Saadiyat Island on Friday cost Dh2,000 each, Dh20,000 for a table of 10 or Dh25,000 for a VIP table of 10. Go to www.chequeredflagball.com

MICA'S WORLD

BEING STYLISH MEANS... having your own look and style. I'm 5ft 11 and size 14. I'm a voluptuous woman so my clothing has to be tailored and structured.

MY SUPER POWER WOULD BE... the power to make people open their minds and stop being so dogmatic in their beliefs.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN... my grandparents always used to say, never take yourself seriously, laugh at yourself and don't get wound up so much that you don't enjoy life.

THE AMBITIONS I STILL HAVE... I would love to write another book - it's been three years since the last one. I would also love my own music TV show.

I AM DRIVEN BY... my children and doing thing things for others. I've achieved many great things in my life so I think I've got to the stage where I can take a back seat in constantly chasing the dream.

FIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME ARE... sensitive, strong, stubborn, sympathetic, steadfast.