An Italian design brand has chosen Abu Dhabi to open its first store outside of its home market, and is seeking to open a second boutique in the Emirates.
Momodesign was founded in 1981 as the design arm of Momo Group, which produces accessories for cars, such as steering wheels, gearstick knobs and alloys.
“When Momodesign was founded it was founded as a style central of the group to develop all the car design accessories. But from the beginning we started to develop some men’s lifestyle accessories,” said Eleonora Cattaneo, Momodesign’s marketing director.
The brand uses materials also used in motorsport like carbon fibre on its products, applying it to chairs and some pens and helmets. But it sells a range from clothing to leather goods, watches, device covers, footwear and bicycles.
Until Momodesign opened its Abu Dhabi branch in The Galleria, the new luxury mall on Al Maryah Island, it operated only one other store – in Milan.
“The region is really strategic for us and why we chose Abu Dhabi was two reasons: one because we have really a strong partner here [in] Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons who really believes in our brand and in its potential,” said Ms Cattaneo.
“He fell in love with our brand and he really developed it in this region, starting from watches. Why Abu Dhabi? Because Abu Dhabi is the capital and a strategic commercial and tourist hub.”
The brand is also currently seeking premises to open a boutique in Dubai.
“The Middle East is an important market for us and we are keen to establish a strong presence in the region,” said Ms Cattaneo.
She admits it is primarily a masculine brand, but insists that it also appeals to women.
“We are developing some products for women, for example the helmets and watches we have colours and models for both men and women. I think that the key is the design and the Italian style,” said Ms Cattaneo.
We never link our brand to motorcycle racing but to the lifestyle … so this is the image we want to give.”
gduncan@thenational.ae
