Retail Roundup

Tom Ford Arrives


The American designer, largely credited for turning around the fortunes of legendary Italian luxury brand Gucci, has opened his first Middle East menswear store in the UAE.

Located at The Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue, the 3,000sq ft store sets the tone for the launch of other Tom Ford stores soon to open in Kuwait City, Qatar, Riyadh, Beirut and Abu Dhabi, according to promoters.

Conceived by Ford himself and designed by longtime associate, William Sofield, the store shares the same signature palette of greys and bronzes and similar collection of fine furnishings and art as the flagship stores in New York and Milan and will feature "personalised luxury menswear", from the finest shirts to made-to-measure and custom made suiting and hand-crafted shoes, luggage and sportswear.

"There's a new, very sophisticated Middle Eastern man who wants the very best in suiting, the finest accessories and clothing for all aspects of his life, and he wants it presented in a modern way that resonates with the new world that is fast emerging in the Middle East," says the designer.


Laura ashley comeback

British fashion and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley is back in the UAE after a two-year hiatus. With two new stores at the Mercato Mall and Dubai Festival City, the 50-year-old brand, known for its designs, patterns and unique colour palettes, will first showcase its womenswear collection. The brands' hugely successful home furnishings and children's wear lines will be added in the future, says retail partner Al Aqili Group.


Now available

Architect Zaha Hadid has wowed the architectural world with her designs. Can she do the same for fashion? The 'Zaha Hadid for Lacoste' limited-edition footwear collaboration is now available exclusively at Galleries Lafayette in Dubai.

Using a discreet piece of pliable metal (similar to a bicycle clip) encased in the leather strap at its upper-most end, the strap coils gently around the leg creating the illusion of an invisible clasp with the flick of a finger, say the design team.

Prices from Dh2,000.

 

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