The Dubai of Gemma Deeks | Dive into the stylist’s address book

JDEED asked Gemma Louise Deeks, fashion editor and stylist in Dubai to give us her best addresses around the UAE’s busiest town. From where to eat the best vegan dessert to knowing how Kylie Jenner’s daughter arrived on the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia shoot, Gemma shared it all…

By Cynthia Jreige

Hello Gemma! Can you please tell us a bit about you and what brought you to Dubai?

I moved to Dubai at 21, fresh out of university! I got an internship at Grazia Middle East, and ended up building my career here in Dubai.

Gemma Deeks enjoying a vegan dessert at Bounty Beets

At JDEED we support animal rights and are always looking for new Vegan spots in the Middle-East for our readers. Could you tell us about your favourite vegan places in the UAE?

Bounty Beets has an amazing new vegan menu, comprising of 7 main courses and 4 desserts. It’s a great spot for a relaxing dinner.

What would be your ideal day and night in Dubai and what would do?

My ideal day is relaxing at Summersalt beach club, at Jumeirah Al Naseem. It’s such a perfect spot, and feels like you are in the Maldives. My favourite nights in Dubai are spontaneous ones that you didn’t expect and end up being the most fun and getting home at 4am!

What are some of your favourite brands oustide of the Arab World?

I love upcoming contemporary brands like Ganni, Staud, ByFar and Nanushka.

By Far

Can you give us a shoot anecdote that was particularly memorable?

Kylie Jenner’s baby Stormi, turning up to the Bazaar Arabia cover shoot in a Rolls Royce!

Kris and Kylie Jenner with daughter Stormi Webster styled by Gemma Deeks for Harper’s Bazaar Arabia

Let’s dive into your address book…Shall we?

Favourite Dubai brunch: I don’t go to brunch! But I loved Coya’s brunch when I went.

Favourite Dubai café: Comptoir 102

Favourite Dubai beach: Summersalt

Favourite Dubai based brand: Kristina Fidelskaya and Bouguessa

Favourite Dubai dinner spot: The Maine Social Bar and Grill

Favourite Dubai hotel: Jumeirah Al Naseem

Favourite Dubai mall: Dubai Mall, it has everything you could want!

Favourite beauty lounge: NBar, for the best mani pedis!

Favourite Dubai avo toast: Common Grounds

Favourite destination out of Dubai: LA

Comptoir 102 , healthy cafe and concept store / Picture, Facebook

What are your plans for 2020 and what do you hope there will be more of in Dubai in this New Year?

Continue leading a healthy lifestyle and focusing on being the best version of myself, personally and professionally. I hope Dubai introduces more plant based restaurants, and that supermarkets start catering for vegans!! Also for people in the Middle East to be more educated on veganism. There is nothing more frustrating than going to a restaurant and the staff not knowing how to cater for you…

Follow Gemma Deeks on Instagram @Gemmalouisedeeks

Discover her work and portfolio right here

Cover / JDEED Studio