International model and actor Adam Sabbagh celebrated his 25th birthday recently, and he certainly did it in style! Adam, who is famed for being in the new American movie ‘Mansion of Blood’, partied hard in Vegas with actresses Ashley Tisdale and Jamie Chung, before chilling out the next day at the world famous Nikki Beach. Owners of Nikki Beach wished him a happy birthday with complimentary champagne and presented him with a special Adam birthday cake. We decided it was time to catch up with the hottie and ask him a few questions – iFashion style!

Happy belated birthday. How was Vegas?
We went to Pure. It is such an amazing night club and of course a celebrity hot spot. Other celebrities there on Saturday were Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical) and Jamie Chung (Hangover II). The next day, for my actual birthday, we just hung out at Nikki Beach. The owners gave me a special cake and champagne to celebrate. I love Nikki Beach.

Did you get up to anything you shouldn’t have?
As you know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But I can tell you that we all had a great time! 

You won Mr Arab in 2008. How important is a good dress sense (alongside the obvious looks and charisma) in one of these competitions?
There are 21 Arab countries that participate in Mr Arab, so a good dress sense is very necessary to win. The competition is very high profile and relies heavily on how each man presents himself and whether his style has the right level of sophistication and flair.

Going to Hollywood must have been a huge culture shock. How do the fashions differ in Lebanon?
Lebanon is a great fashion spot, we have designers in Lebanon that all the celebrities in Hollywood choose to wear their dresses on the red carpets regularly, and most of the time they win as best dressed!
We have stores for all international brands; people are very high fashion and up to date! There are no differences at all between here and there, only maybe the fashion and trends come after a few weeks later to the Middle East!

Who is your favorite designer?
Dolce and Gabbana

Do you have a fashion icon?
Not a specific one. I like elegant people in general. I really don’t have an icon that I follow in that way. It’s all about the look and how you carry fashion rather than any particular person.

What is your favourite item of clothing or accessory?
I keep accessories to a minimum, but I do love a high quality watch so I’m never late to my appointments!

Do you ever shop online and if so, what is your favourite online store and why?
I enjoy looking at a variety of online stores, too many to list, but I also enjoy the experience of trying on the clothes before I buy them.

Dress up or dress down?
Dress up. I enjoy clothes and the fashion world. I always try to maintain my style regardless of what I’m doing or where I am.

You are currently studying for a PHD in political science in NY, so not only do you have looks-but brains as well! How do you manage your time?
It’s not easy. I know my goals within the entertainment world, but education is also very important. Managing my time is just a matter of having a relatively set plan for the day and being able to maneuver from one thing to the next with flexibility and in a timely manner.

It seems like you achieved a lot for such a young age, what are you most proud of?
I’m very proud of the fact that I have been able to move to the US from Lebanon and still maintain my image as an international model and actor. It’s difficult to build your reputation in a foreign land regardless of how known you are somewhere else.

How do you like to relax in between studying and acting?
I have many coaches. I have a Russian and English tutor and personal trainer to help me stay fit. I also enjoy swimming, horse-riding and show jumping and have trainers in each of these activities. When I have time I like to chill by my pool or go see a movie, go clubbing with friends … it all depends on my mood that day.

Are you single at the moment?
(Laughs) Yes ladies, I’m single.

What kind of traits do you look for in a partner?
Someone who is ambitious and knows what they want out of life. I’m attracted to women who have their own aspirations because it drives me to further my potential in modeling, acting and whatever other opportunities may come along.

If you had to prepare a meal for a special someone, what would you cook (entree, main course and desert)?
Sadly, I was not blessed with culinary skills, but I do know a good gourmet caterer and where to buy a good bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape!

Can you describe the film you star in, Mansion of the Blood, in three words?
I can give you four – All Hell Breaks Loose.

If you had 10 minutes to get ready for an awards ceremony, what would you pick out of your closet to wear?
I would pick out a crisp white Armani shirt, with a black sports jacket, jeans and my favorite limited edition Armani shoes (only sold on 5th Avenue NY).

What is your most prized possession?
My custom-made Porsche.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
People surround you as long as you are powerful and successful. When you are not anymore they leave you!

Do you have any regrets?
Never ever! I learn from everything that happens to me! If I regret something it means I am asking to not be me today.

If you weren’t an actor/model what career would you most like to pursue?
Following a long line of diplomats, I would pursue a career in politics with my father.

Favourite destination (anywhere in the world)?
Capri in Italy.

Who do you most admire?
Everyone who manages to achieve their goal in life whatever the domain! 

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue with my PhD in Political Science out of NY and of course my international modeling and acting career. I want to have a portfolio of great movie roles and modeling campaigns under my belt, and very soon!

END INTERVIEW