Let’s face it, if you are a UAE socialite then a packed calendar of glamorous galas and launch parties is the norm. However, the social whirl does not always leave much time to shop for that ideal outfit.
With this in mind, Stellar, a concierge fashion company, has launched in the Emirates. The brainchild of co-founders Julia MacDonald and Anna Royall-Smith, the online VIP gown-delivery service makes a showroom of your home.
“Shopping for one-of-a-kind dresses is not always a quick or easy process.” says Royall-Smith “We take the pressure off and allow ladies to order a selection of couture dresses from our website and try them on – with their own accessories, shoes and jewellery – in the comfort of their own space.”
The service, which delivers up to eight dresses that are left with a client for up to two hours, is free of charge and a personal stylist is also available.
The service provides complete privacy, which is the top priority for many local women, says Royall-Smith. “Culturally, it’s much easier for local women to buy couture dresses in this way, rather than shopping with family and friends and wanting to show them the gowns in communal dressing rooms,” she says.
“For example, we have many clients in Sharjah and Dubai who are seeking gowns for weddings, and very dressy, glitzy designs are popular right now.” Stellar is also proving popular with expatriates, who order dresses for corporate events, cocktail parties, horse races and brunches.
Labels stocked by Stellar include Brazilian designer Patricia Bonaldi, whose gowns have been worn by celebrities including supermodel Gisele Bündchen. Bonaldi’s dresses range from around Dh1,000 to Dh11,000, and clients request a variety of sizes from Stellar to try before they buy.
Royall-Smith says there are plans to add more designers to the portfolio, but the hiring of couture pieces – as opposed to their purchase – is unlikely to be an option in the near future.
“We believe we’re the only concierge service in the UAE, and offer something a bit different. Our high-end dresses are very intricate and we don’t feel that type of couture would suit the rental market – but never say never.”
• Visit www.stellar-me.com
rduane@thenational.ae
