Dolce & Gabbana’s new flagship store in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates was launched over the weekend and boasts the Italian designers’ latest range of abayas, alongside accessories and ready-to-wear pieces for men and women.
Stepping inside it is like entering an opulent walk-in wardrobe. Spanning two floors, the 1,103-square-metre boutique has a Sahara Noir marble facade with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the new collections. The store is D&G’s largest in the region, with a special made-to-measure suit section for men.
A spiral staircase connects the two levels, with spaces showcasing scarves, bags and leather goods, through to seasonal separates and eveningwear. There is also a shoe room and jewellery trove.
See more: Dolce & Gabbana's Eid abayas – in pictures
The walls are mirrored and swathed in red velvet, offset by ruby ottomans and black lacquered furniture. Glinting stone-laden lace pumps sit encased in glass- and gold-trimmed cabinets while exotic skin bags rest on damask cushions and walnut-inlay plinths.
“The boutique reflects the aesthetic of all our stores worldwide, yet it aligns itself with the typical architectural structures of Dubai,” says Domenico Dolce. “We respect the features of the place and everything needed to fall harmoniously together.”
The abaya collection, D&G’s second – which is available UAE-wide – can be checked out in relative privacy at the back of the boutique.
“For this collection, we kept some of our iconic elements, such as the lace and polka dots, with the addition of animal prints,” says Stefano Gabbana. “The range also incorporated our seasonal patterns such as banana leaves, majolica and pink tulips. Colours range from shades of smoky grey to beige and old-rose.” This month’s offerings, along with matching shaylas, mark the second capsule collection of abayas from the pair who rolled-out their debut Middle East-inspired pieces in January.
Covetable designs for Eid include classic black abayas and verdant print kaftans and jalabiyas, with complementing sandals and pumps in jewel tones of citrine and sapphire.
“Celebrations are joyful, affectionate moments and the perfect occasion for family gatherings,” says Dolce. “Each person lives out these moments in a personal way, therefore, even one’s way of dressing must reflect the importance and sacredness of the occasion.” The educational and creative process of designing abayas is an evolving one for the designers, who have visited the UAE on previous occasions and count regional royals and VIPs among their clients.
“You never stop learning,” says Dolce. “With any market or culture in the world, the important thing is to always be willing to challenge yourself, to compete with different realities and to remain curious. That’s the true beauty of our work.”
“I agree,” says Gabbana. “Arabian fashion is fascinating and since it is rich in history and traditions, one can easily take inspiration from it.”
Dolce & Gabbana's new store is at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Prices on request. Visit www.dolcegabbana.com
rduane@thenational.ae