My favourite things: Rami Al Ali, fashion designer

The Syria-born, Dubai-based fashion designer Rami Al Ali, who presented his spring-summer 2018 haute couture collection in Paris this week, tells us about some of his favourite things

Syria-born fashion designer Rami Al Ali.
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My favourite city in the world is Damascus, for the love that city gave me, and for the way it shaped my character.

My favourite meal is anything from the Mediterranean.

The most treasured item I own is my first Rolex. It was the first luxury item that I bought myself.

My go-to beauty brand is Shiseido. I love all their men's products.

The best book I've read is Paula by Isabel Allende. It is the first book that made me cry.

The best journey I've ever made was to Brazil, four years ago. It was the perfect combination of greenery, city and sea. The food and the music and the people's energy were mesmerising.

The favourite item in my wardrobe is a pair of patent leather Chanel shoes. They put me in a dancing mood.

The best part of my job is the fast rhythm and quick change. I can't stand slowness and a quiet day.

My favourite song is The Windmills of Your Mind by Noel Harrison.

The most useful piece of advice I've ever received is: "Welcome change, it's always good".

The best part of my day is the morning, when everything starts fresh.

Life's greatest luxury is time.