Abu Dhabi Week stylist Dawn Williamson hits the streets of the capital in search of the UAE’s talented designers
We live in a country known around the world for its luxury, wealth and retail and is home to the most lavish brands and stores. Perhaps what is less known, is the burgeoning independent fashion business, with some amazing new designers emerging. Fashion in the UAE hit the headlines most recently when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pledged to make the region a global fashion hub by 2020, signing a decree to bring together public and private sectors to foster the growth, innovation and sustainability of the Emirates design and fashion industries.
So now is the time to embrace our new designers. With this in mind I hit the streets of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to find the finest new design talent and selected some of the best pieces just for you. Spending a week trying on beautiful clothes and accessories… it’s a hard life but someone’s got to do it…
The one for the couture fanatics
This brand has been on my radar for quite some time now, ever since they dressed me for the red carpet in one of the most luxurious and unique dresses I have ever worn.
Deana Shaaban the label was launched in 2010, currently based in Cairo; the brands ready-to-wear collection is debuted twice a year with an evening, wedding and a jewellery collection. Best of all Deana also offers a design service for bespoke wedding and evening gowns. One of my favourite things about the label is that each design is unique and never repeated because the brand was founded on the belief that not every gown suits every woman, but that every woman is unique in her own right and the gown that adorns her should be true to that belief.
Looking through the sumptuous collection, each design is an exquisite combination of thoughtful drape, flattering fit and a plethora of fine fabrics. I can testify to this, wearing Deana Shaaban Couture makes you feel literally like a million dollars. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the A/W13 collection in this stunning draped ‘Amalia’ gown.
Deana Shabaan is currently stocked in Rivaage Sunset Mall, Dubai Mall and O Concept Store for bespoke enquiries contact: [email protected]
The one for the magpies
My first stop, had to be the bling. BexRox Arabia is a luxe jewellery brand about to explode into the UAE marketplace. And these pieces certainly make an impact! With gorgeous oversized Mayan inspired cuffs, Art Deco collars and Love Knot rings, this label is for the woman who understands her own style. Featuring semi-precious statement jewels uniquely crafted so that its weight, feel, texture and movement fits perfectly with the wearer. My favourite pieces like most of the collection were the ones that sparkled like the Abu Dhabi sun, glittering jewel- encrusted cuffs with a definite tribal influence, chunky Rose Gold collars and multi-coloured friendship bracelets – that I’d recommend wearing en masse.
Bex Rox Arabia is currently stocked in Boutique One and is available to buy online at www.bexrox.ae also check out www.facebook.com/bexroxarabia
The one for the fashionistas
Reemami has to be one of my favourite new designers, I couldn’t sleep for weeks after seeing the labels now infamous ‘Spiky Pants’ in a number of fashion mags and had to get my hands on a pair, but those are just the tip of the iceberg. Designer Reema Al Banna knows just what will get every fashionista excited with bold, cutting edge and undeniably unique collections. I’m wearing the Sequence Peplum Skirt in red sequin and I have to say I felt just about ready to strut my stuff down the runways of the world… this is a brand that makes you feel special, one for the extroverts who want more than just a piece of clothing, you’re buying into a lifestyle here.
The ethos of this award-winning brand is fun, optimism and positivity, the identity being shaped by Reema’s creativity through unexpected cuts and details and treating each item as a piece of art. One of my favourite things about Reemami, (and it’s something I personally subscribe to) Reema does not follow seasonal trends but instead constantly explores new and different innovative styles and has produced some of the most playful, distinctive and lustworthy pieces I have seen for a long time. Trust me on this; you’re talking to a seasoned shopaholic.
Reemami is stocked at Sauce, Valleydez and The Cartel Dubai. Visit www.reemami.com or email [email protected] for more info
For style enquiries contact Dawn at [email protected]
