Karl Lagerfeld has opened the doors to its concept store in Doha’s Lagoona mall, marking the brand’s first foray into the Middle East.
Operated by the UAE-headquartered Chalhoub group, the Doha boutique is the latest venture in the brand’s expanding retail portfolio, with 10 additional Karl Lagerfeld concept stores and 15 shop-in-shops planned to launch in the Middle East by 2018. The 80-square-meter store (whose interior design was overseen by Lagerfeld himself) will sell the brand’s women’s collections, including ready-to-wear, fragrances, bags, watches, and limited-edition pieces.
“As we continue to develop our business on a global scale, the Middle East remains a central area of focus,” said Pier Paolo Righi, the CEO of Karl Lagerfeld “Our new Doha store represents an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our iconic, cool, and accessible luxe collections and represents an important step in further elevating and expanding our brand’s presence in the region.”
With most international brands choosing the UAE for their regional debuts, the Doha boutique is an interesting choice by Karl Lagerfeld. It remains to be seen whether more brands will follow suit and eye other locations outside the UAE for their first flagship stores in the region.
—Stephanie Khouy, Style.com/Arabia
