Sponsored Content: Here’s why you should add this City Walk concept store to your must-shop list.
We’re lucky to boast a wealth of design talent in this part of the world, from Lebanese couturiers such as Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad to rising stars such as the UAE’s own Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi, ESMOD Dubai graduate.
But, for true style mavens, the real challenge lies in spotting up-and-coming labels and acting as a champion for local artistry.
And we’ve discovered a unique store-slash-incubator that will truly help you keep your finger on the fashion pulse.
Pôlette, which is located in the super-chic district of City Walk, is a concept store designed to showcase and support emerging designers from Dubai and the wider region.
The store, which opened its doors in October 2016, was developed by ESMOD Dubai, the UAE branch of the famed ESMOD International Fashion Institute & Universities Group from Paris. The shop was created as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to support emerging designers in launching their brands and businesses.
From cutting-edge womenswear and avant-garde menswear to homeware, artisanal jewellery, hand-crafted beauty lines and much more, the Al Mustaqbal Street spot is jam-packed with unique pieces and inimitable accessories.
(You’ll be very unlikely to turn up to brunch wearing the same high-street piece as 20 other diners if you source new-season finds from Pôlette, we reckon).
It’s the first and only retail start-up platform in the world that helps launch students’ fashion brands, according to co-founders Tamara Hostal and Denis Ravizza, and has a particular focus on supporting ESMOD graduates.
Designers (and ESMOD alumni) stocked in-store currently include Canella Hostal, Lalaqueen, Dewi Ricwari, Freny James, Lilith, Olivier Philips, Payukan, PlusMinus, Kaftan Studio, Kohel, The Moroccans, and Kasya101— to name a few—with Pôlette also hosting regular events.
(Just a few months ago, ESMOD partnered with Syrian designer Rami Al Ali—who’s dressed Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Aishwarya Rai—and mentored one undergraduate student to create and showcase her capsule collection at the store).
For budding designers, Pôlette is a persuasive reason to sign up for an ESMOD degree and for style-savvy shoppers, it’s a hidden gem for sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces that’ll leave heads turning in your wake.
For more information on Pôlette, call (04) 341 2102, or for details on any of ESMOD’s courses, visit esmod-dubai.com or call (04) 429 1228.
Images: Supplied
