Rosemin Madhavji Opgenhaffen, age 44, is a Dubai-based, Canadian-born fashion expert, TV presenter and editor. Here she gives us her fashion tips and secrets, honed over years of working with some of the world’s most bold-faced names from Tom Ford to Christian Louboutin (who has even named a shoe after her!)
Far & Wide
An Insider’s Guide To How to Travel and Live Stylishly from Dubai to Toronto
By Rosemin Madhavji Opgenhaffen|April 4, 2025
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Photo: Courtesy of Rosemin Madhavj
›CLAIM TO FAME:
I’m known as the fairy godmother of luxury in the Middle East – I’ve helped launch some of the world’s top brands here, starting 20 years ago with Tiffany’s flagship store in the Dubai Mall, followed by Prada, Burberry and Tom Ford. Tom is my mentor. I went to see him talk when I was at London College of Fashion and once I finished my degree he hired me as his intern. I learned everything working there, from brand management to styling, to dressing celebrities.
›What drew you to fashion?
I grew up in London, Ontario, where my parents had immigrated to from East Africa. Their first business was a corner store and it had the best magazines – I used to devour them. I did my first ever styling on my Barbies. I’d go to Fabricland and spend my allowance on scraps of material to make dresses for them.
›TOP TIPS FOR SEAMLESS TRAVEL?
I never use fancy or black luggage for fear of it getting stolen. I remember running down the escalator in Toronto saying, “That girl has my bag!” The woman was hugely apologetic – but after a 16-hour flight she hadn’t noticed it wasn’t hers. Now I have bright, distinctive cases.
›what are your packing GO-TOS?
My black Valentino wide-leg suit with a double-breasted blazer, plus a couple of Chanel jackets to wear with my Agolde jeans. I have an obsession with Chanel cap-toe ballet flats and, truthfully, I have a bunion and they’re wider at the front with a low block heel, which makes them easy to walk around in. Then I dress it up for night with Gianvito Rossi court shoes – they’re so comfortable.
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