Fashion designer Meher Mirchandani, one half of international women’s eveningwear label Meher & Riddhima gives U her tips on her favourite places to hang out in Dubai and New York, and lets us in on her ‘perfect day’.

• How do you start your day?

I wake up at 7 am, get hydrated by drinking water, then sit up and do a gratitude list. I leave home by 7.50am to drive my kids to school, which are the best 30 minutes of my day as I spend quality time with them by talking to them throughout. After that, it’s off to work.

• Leisurely lunch go to? 

I usually have lunch in the office when all the directors in my company meet and informally catch up with each other. When I do go out for lunch, I love to experiment with new places; for example, I recently went to the Brasserie 2.0 at Le Royal Meridien, it was great.

• Favourite way to pass the time in Dubai? 

I think there is a lot to do in Dubai nowadays. I love to dine out at different places a few times a week, or do a fitness class at an interesting gym. I also like to try different activities like Go karting at Dubai Autodrome, or playing fun games with friends at Challenge Chambers.

• Favourite Dubai landmark, and why? 

The Burj Boulevard – I love to spend time there either at a café, or just walking around. It’s always beautifully lit up and has an amazing vibe about it.   

• Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout? 

I don't really drink, but I enjoy spending time at Vii lounge, Conrad hotel – they have a lovely garden area – as well as the bar at Play lounge and restaurant in H hotel.

• Favourite dining destinations in Dubai, and why? 

I have a few - Jean George at the Four Seasons, El Sur at Westin, and Zuma DIFC. They all have great food, particularly vegetarian options as I am one, and a fantastic ambience.

• Final stop for a nightcap, and why?

My nightcap would be dessert to wind up an evening! I love tiramisu and the best tiramisu in town is at Casa Mia restaurant in Le Meridien Village.

• As you spend a lot of time in New York because of work, what are your favourite places to eat out in NYC?

I usually have my lunch meetings at Fig & Olive, or Chelsea market in the Meatpacking district. And my all time favourite, whether it’s for dinner or drinks, is Tao.

• Where next on your travels? 

I’m planning a trip to Mauritius for Easter break - I love the beach and water activities, so it will be perfect. And then we’re headed to Spain in the summer.

• Your favourite thing about Urbanologie?

I think it’s an amazing guide to events and restaurants. I love food and experimenting with different cuisines but don't really have the time to research places - this is a quick and easy way to do it!

Meher Mirchandani is CEO of Meher & Riddhima (M&R as it is popularly known), an award-winning luxury fashion label she launched along with her childhood friend Riddhima Wahbi in 2002. Specialising in feminine eveningwear, M&R is retailed at select boutiques in the Middle East and the US, and has been sported by many a celebrity, ranging from Bollywood A-listers to Hollywood stars such as Dita von Teese. Meher divides her time between Dubai and New York for her work with M&R. Mother to two children, she is also managing director at her family business Palmon Group, which has diversified interests in retail, real estate, logistics and F&B.