Flight to America: Where the California Dream Comes Alive

Hello, beloved!

There are journeys that fill you with trembling, excitement, and anticipation. My recent flight to America was exactly that — a long route from Dubai, as if chasing the sun across the globe, until I finally landed in Los Angeles — the legendary City of Angels. As the plane descended over the vast urban landscape, I looked out the window at the sparkling lights, the palm trees, and the endless streets, feeling butterflies in my stomach. It was my first time in California in a long while, and stepping off the plane into that warm California breeze, I felt as if I had walked straight into a movie I had watched a thousand times.

And here I was, in a city that smells of sun, sea, and endless possibility. Los Angeles greeted me with a light wind and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. I had come for a long-awaited shoot, but I allowed myself to slow down. The first days I barely posted anything — I was just living. Walking through West Hollywood, sipping lattes on street corners, soaking in the sunsets. Only after twelve days did I finally share my first post — #betterlatethannever.

One evening stands out vividly in my memory. I’ll never forget walking down Rodeo Drive in a sparkling Retrofête dress, feeling like the heroine of a glossy cover. The windows of Dior and Chanel glittered around me, while every ray of evening light caught on my gown. I added Thierry Lasry sunglasses — because who says you can’t wear shades at night when they look that fabulous? In that moment, I felt like I had stepped into a movie scene: a glamorous heroine striding down the world’s most iconic street. The palms above swayed gently, as if applauding my little catwalk. It was pure magic.

And then there was the day at The Beverly Hills Hotel — that pink legend steeped in the spirit of Hollywood’s golden age. A Maison Michel hat, a white swimsuit, a lemonade by the pool. But behind that pretty picture was more than just a desire to relax — it was an opportunity to step into the mood and aesthetic of the shoot to come. Even though I came there mostly to unwind, I couldn’t stop thinking, imagining, anticipating — I wanted to embody and truly feel that so-called American Dream of a bygone golden era.

And about the hair — let’s just say this: it wasn’t just long waves. It was a decision. An investment. For the project. I dreamed of a “cinematic” image, and the team at @selflove.dxb helped bring it to life. More details on that soon…

Because the real reason for my trip to America was a professional shoot I had been preparing for a long time. Soon I’ll be able to share for which magazine, and show you the images, the locations, the looks… But for now — a glimpse behind the scenes.

We shot in a retro motel on Sunset Boulevard. We wanted to create a mood in the spirit of Old Hollywood, but with a modern twist. Imagine: mint-green walls, a neon sign, me in a black gown with a train, classic waves in my hair, cat-eye sunglasses. Shooting on a velvet chair, by the window with a rotary phone, waiting for my big Hollywood breakthrough.

The atmosphere of Old Hollywood in that Sunset motel made it one of the most creative and joyful shoots of my life. The photos turned out magical. For those hours I forgot everything else and was simply in the moment. We laughed until we cried, especially when the neighbor peeked out, convinced a movie star had just checked in next door.

And it reminded me: what I do is not just “a girl taking pretty photos.” It’s work. It’s a project. It’s a story that may someday inspire someone else.

Alongside this, there were other shoots too — under the open sky. Malibu beaches, sunsets, the salty wind in my hair. A day of building sandcastles, and later slipping into a light dress for dinner at Nobu Malibu, right by the ocean. Pure cinema. And all of it — part of my work, my reality.

Now, back home, as I scroll through the photos, I feel one thing above all — gratitude. For a city that welcomed me so generously. For the inspiration I found in every frame. For shoots that are not just about “looking pretty,” but about meaning, form, and voice.

Thank you for being with me on this journey, Sasha 💋