2013 marks a decade for Boutique 1 and the Dubai-based, multi-brand fashion store knows how to celebrate this milestone in style: by launching its first capsule collection. In collaboration with fifteen international brands, the retailer will introduce limited edition styles, to be available in store and online on October 23rd. In a conversation with Style.com/Arabia, Bridget Cosgrave, Buying Director of Boutique 1, speaks further about the idea behind the 10-year anniversary celebrations.
How did the idea for the capsule collection arise?
The concept behind our new capsule was to celebrate our 10-year anniversary by offering something special and exclusive to our clients. We worked with a range of designers and luxury brands, including Oscar De La Renta, Roland Mouret, Missoni, Preen, Yohji Yamamoto for Y-3, Markus Lupfer, Chinti and Parker, Ancient Greek Sandals, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Joomi Lim, Illesteva, Zoe Karssen, Kotur, Tracy Watts, and Symthson, to demonstrate the breadth of fashion via both established brands and cutting edge labels. Collaborations are a delicate matter; you are asking designers to fit another project into their overly busy schedules! That said, the project was embraced as something exciting to be involved in and the designs just snowballed!
How are these designer collaborations different from usual limited editions?
All the pieces are unique, limited pieces, with personalized messages and labels, and are all in our corporate colors of black and white, or simply monochrome. We also tried to address accessories belonging to wardrobe essentials, such as sunnies from Illesteva; a necklace from Joomi Lim, with its edgy spikes and crystals; a bikini from Lisa Marie Fernandez; and a conversational clutch bag from Kotur. Then, we focused on ready-to-wear, with tropical-looking T-shirts from Zoe Karsen and Markus Lupfer; a sportswear inspired body-con dress from Preen; a graphic gown from Roland Mouret; and an Oscar De La Renta black and white lace dress. Not forgetting a handmade hat from Tracy Watts and sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals. For the men, we have a Missoni polo shirt and Y3 trainers.
Will the capsule collection only be available in Dubai, or on an international level as well?
We’re launching the collection online and in our two stores in Dubai, as well as in our Beirut store. As we speak, we are in the middle of our SS14 buying trip, re-visiting our favorite brands, and introducing more up and coming labels to the region for next season. We also have some exciting events planned for next year, but before that, we just want to enjoy and celebrate all that we have achieved over the past decade!
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