Interview by Milo Radojić
This summer, we step into the world of digital style icon Tamara Kalinić, whose travels have shaped a uniquely elegant, sun-soaked aesthetic. From the South of France’s cinematic shores to Capri’s transformative charm, Monaco’s magnetic sophistication, and Dubai’s golden shores, Tamara shows us how place becomes style and style becomes memory.
In this exclusive interview, she reflects on the destinations, fashion rituals, and creative moments that continue to define her. This is a masterclass in summer living, told through the eyes of one of today’s most enduring voices in fashion.
I first met Tamara Kalinić years ago at One&Only Portonovi, where she arrived as a guest with her then boyfriend, now fiancé. Even in those first moments, what struck me wasn’t her global recognition or the extraordinary network she carries with such ease. It was, in fact, her kindness, humility, and the way she showed up with full presence, warmth, and gratitude.
Beneath the polished international persona, I immediately recognised the girl who worked her way to the top with determination. There was a grounding sincerity in her, a pride in her roots, and a dedication that felt both familiar and deeply admirable. I remember thinking, “This is why she has made it, and why she will continue to.”
Our paths crossed again through inspiring collaborations at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and later Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, where I saw even more of her strength, professionalism, and the genuine joy she brings to her work. What began as a professional connection slowly grew into a friendship, one that feels effortless, supportive, and rooted in mutual respect. Watching her rise while staying so true to who she is has been
nothing short of beautiful.
Her journey, of course, began long before the era of influencers. Tamara first stepped into the digital world with her blog The Glam & Glitter, a space she built from pure passion and curiosity. What started as a personal corner of the internet has grown into a global platform, mirrored by her Instagram profile @tamara, where her audience of over 2.1 million follows her travels, style, and daily rituals.
Across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, her reach extends into the millions, which is a testament to the trust she’s built, the consistency she’s maintained, and the authenticity her community continues to celebrate.
Despite the scale, she remains disarmingly grounded, carrying the same voice that once typed out blog posts late into the night. It’s no surprise the global media calls her “The It Girl”. She embodies it, not merely through fashion, but through presence, character, and a rare ability to make every space feel lighter.
And so, we wanted to bring her true summer spirit to our readers through a relaxed, spontaneous interview, one that captures her the way she really is – graceful, grounded, endlessly inspired, and unmistakably herself.
What destination, above all others, feels like the true essence of your summer – the place where you instantly exhale?
I would say the South of France has that magic for me. The moment I arrive, everything softens – the light, the pace, even my thoughts. We start in Monaco, drive to Antibes, Nice, and end in Saint Tropez. There are so many summer days that can be spent differently.
Is there a trip that completely influenced your summer style – a place where you discovered a silhouette, palette, or attitude you now carry with you?
Capri changed the way I see summer dressing. I fell in love with making your outfits chic, yet functional for lots of walking. I love Italian Summer chic – that’s where Capri played an important role.
Which seaside destination makes you feel the most “you” – in energy and in the way you dress?
Monaco. It’s so captivating, charming, and sophisticated that we decided to move there. I feel inspired, and somehow, it suits the way I live and work. It’s such a special place.
What hotel feels like your perfect summer escape – a place where you can dress beautifully, unwind deeply, and wake up inspired?
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc is pure fantasy. Everything about it feels cinematic. You wake up inspired without even trying, and somehow every outfit feels elevated the moment you step outside. There are many restaurants and social aspects, but also a great Dior spa, a beautiful pool or private cabanas, tennis courts, and something for everyone.
Is there a coastal restaurant you return to every year – and what would you wear there for the perfect long lunch or candlelit dinner?
La Fontelina in Capri is always on my list. For lunch, I’d wear a crisp white shirt over a swimming suit after a whole morning of swimming, with flat leather sandals, and a basket bag. For dinner, a backless dress, glowing skin, and barely there heels. My restaurant of choice for a dinner would be Aurora in Capri.
Your wardrobe often mirrors your travels. Which fashion piece – whether it’s a bag, dress, sandals, or jewellery – instantly brings back a specific destination?
My woven Loewe bag always takes me back to Ibiza. Every time I carry it, I remember salty hair, sunset dinners, and the feeling of endless summer days. There are so many pieces like this I can name that remind me of different places.
Can you name one place in the world where you love shopping the most – a boutique, a street, or a small coastal town in which you always discover something unique?
Portofino has the most charming little boutiques. You never go there looking for something specific,
yet you always leave with a piece that feels like a treasure. And even if you don’t find anything, you can have few scoops of gelato that satisfy what you were looking for.
What are your must have summer fashion essentials – the accessories, jewellery, sunglasses, or watches you never travel without?
Oversized sunglasses, straw bag, easy woven beach dress or a playsuit. I also always carry a structured mini bag where I put all of my essentials, since the beach bag gets overfilled with books, sun lotions, and other things.
I love a good chic beach look, so I even carry my Birkin Cargo to the beach sometimes. What is your go-to look for a relaxed seaside breakfast – simple yet elevated?
I love pieces from Chanel Coco Beach collection, but also some no-name effortless linen pieces. A white linen shirt over a one-piece swimming suit and a chic pair of shorts, or a maxi dress and a hat. Hair slightly undone, skin glowing, coffee in hand. Effortless!
When you’re heading out for a long, sun-kissed lunch, what’s the perfect outfit that blends elegance, comfort, and the ease of summer?
A maxi dress in a breathable fabric, flat statement sandals, and sculptural earrings. I love when an outfit moves beautifully in the breeze – it feels very romantic and free. I love Pucci dresses, but also Australian modern designers that are flattering, chic, and versatile.
Flying lesson in Wellington For a warm summer evening by the water, what is your dream outfit – the one that feels glamorous without trying too hard?
A silk slip dress, minimal strappy heels, luminous make-up, and a sleek bun. The kind of look that whispers rather than announces.
Is there a destination that changed the way you think about fashion or beauty – perhaps through its colours, its people, or its atmosphere?
Marrakech opened my eyes to colour and texture. It taught me that beauty can be bold, layered, and deeply expressive. I do tend to adjust my personal style slightly to suit the country or city I’m visiting.
If you could spend one full month living by the sea to reset and create content, which coastal destination would you choose, and why?
Barcelona. I love creating content in Barcelona, it is a perfect mix of city and beach, and I love that
it’s a university city.
You started with a blog long before the influencer era took off. What role does that beginning still play in your identity today?
It reminds me why I started with pure passion. That foundation keeps me grounded and protects my creativity. No matter how much the industry changes, that girl with a laptop and big dreams is still very present. That blog is a big reminder of where I started from and what I achieved.
Your collaboration with Audemars Piguet was major. How did it come about and what went through your mind the moment you saw yourself on the billboard?
It felt surreal and deeply emotional. It started by me being a client and having a dream of working with AP one day… Little did I know that my favourite brand in the whole world would choose me one day to be on a billboard on Sunset Boulevard.
What are your favourite hotels in the UAE? Is there a specific one you keep coming back to, and why?
I love Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai – it’s a favourite spot for my other half and me, as it offers a perfect oasis of luxury, modern life, and relaxation. It’s our go-to spot whenever we need a break.
All photographs by Pave Elez
