Sheikh's Scandal(53)

Chatsfield Character Q&A


Under the microscope:

Read on for an exclusive interview with Aaliyah Amari.





If you had to pick your most public scandalous moment, what would it be?

Even if I hadn’t lived a rather sheltered existence prior to meeting Sayed, I would still definitely have to say being outed publicly as his lover in the press. Those pics of us kissing with that obvious (to me, anyway) postcoital glow still make me blush.

Was there an even more scandalous event that didn’t make it into the press?

Oh, yes…let’s just say that the first night we kissed had a lot of other firsts, too, and leave it at that.

What is your biggest secret?

I’m not princess material. At all. But I love Sayed and I’ll do my best by the people of Zeena Sahra.

What do you love most about Sayed?

His heart. It’s hidden behind his nobility and strength, but he has such an amazing capacity to care for his family, for his people…for me. I never thought I would know this kind of love and I hope I never take it for granted.

What were your first thoughts when you saw Sayed?

Thoughts? My brain stopped working completely.

If your house was on fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?

My mother’s locket.

What is the naughtiest thing you did at school?

I wasn’t naughty at school. I would have been mortified to disappoint my mother in any way. Until I met Sayed, Aaliyah Amari could have been synonymous with the word repressed.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Watching Sayed sleep, but shh…please don’t tell him.

What is your worst habit?

Sayed says it’s thinking too little of myself. For that matter, so does his dear mother. Maybe it is.

What is your favorite film?

Until I met Sayed, my favorite film was the documentary Grey Gardens (1975)—the story of Big and Little Edie Beales, the agoraphobic eccentric relatives of Jacqueline Bouvier (Kennedy). However, Queen Durrah introduced me to romantic comedies and I’ve fallen in love with the genre. I’ve watched Valentine’s Day three times already.

What present would you put beneath the Christmas tree for Sayed?

I’m not sure what gift I’ll give Sayed this year, but it will have an ornament hanging from the bow: a pregnant woman with a “Baby’s 1st Christmas” tag on it. Yes, we are expecting and I’m not at all sure I’ll be able to wait to tell him!

How will you spend your first anniversary as a couple?

Knowing the romantic streak that runs in the men of Sayed’s family, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t do something like fly us to Venice for dinner and the opera. He’s discovered my secret passion for it and my Emir seems quite dedicated to seeing all my passions met.





Designing a Royal Wardrobe


As the private designer for Princess Aaliyah, airport chic has become a bit of a specialty for me. From royal affairs to the simple cross-country excursion, princess duties require a certain level of versatility. It’s all about proper balance. A princess strives to be stylish and practical, and thanks to the lovely Kate Middleton, our modern day rulers are expected to convey both. This makes my job infinitely more…delicate. Although, Princess Aaliyah’s striking dark hair and emerald green eyes do provide the perfect canvas for my designs, making the job entirely worthwhile.

For Her Majesty’s attendance to her father, the hotelier Gene Chatsfield’s wedding, I created looks that include all of the elements that I consider vital to jet-set design: sophistication, class, comfort, and pockets (because, yes, even Her Royal Highness must carry her own cell phone and lippy).

FOR THE PLANE: Nothing commands attention like a statement jacket, save the royal wedding ring and Princess Aaliyah had both. The princess modelled a tailored white trench with black contrast piping. Its structure complemented Princess Aaliyah’s sophisticated demeanour, while protecting the princess (and her vintage Chanel skirt) from the elements. It was, dare I say, princess perfection.



FOR THE CEREMONY: Princess Aaliyah specifically requested a formal gown that wasn’t “too severe,” so I concocted this: a floor-length, Dior-inspired, two-piece ensemble, disguised as a gown (brilliant for those discreet trips to the loo). The lace trim injects a smidge of sex appeal, while the peplum seamlessly blends the two pieces into one gorgeous silhouette. Finally, a slit up the back allows Her Majesty to move without a less-than-graceful spill onto the aisle way, because, let’s face it, wearing her sky-high Louboutins (royalty of the shoe variety) is enough cause for anxiety.

Dipped in a stunning emerald green to compliment her eyes, this elegant design landed Princess Aaliyah a spot on the “Best Dressed” list and I got to celebrate this little victory with vintage Chardonnay—yet another perk of associating with the royals.