“This is a place that, when you dream, you dream grand,” explained Vogue Italia Editor in Chief, Franca Sozzani, speaking to us ahead of the evening’s Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience. Indeed, there was a buzz of excitement in the air leading up to the day’s events orchestrated by Sozzani along with Emaar Chairman, H.E. Mohammed Alabbar.
Inside the Dubai Mall, over 250 boutiques participated by offering special in-store activations during extended hours. A red carpet led to a catwalk where invited guests were treated to a fashion show by eight curated promising designers, including Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Ashi and Razan Alazzouni; Bahrain’s Lulwa Al Amin; Qatar’s Wadha Al Hajri; Russia’s Esme Vie; Ireland’s Simone Rocha; and Nigeria’s Ituen Basi. Afterwards, Franca Sozzani invited all to begin their “Fashion Experience”. We headed over to Kenzo, where false eyelashes were being applied; meanwhile, the team at Missoni were offering zig zag nail art, and Jimmy Choo gave guests the chance to unlock and take home a pair of handcuffed shoes. Gianfranco Ferré had slightly eerie live models blinking from behind the especially decorated windows; Robert and Eva Cavalli were on-hand to personally officially inaugurate the new Roberto Cavalli Junior boutique, and Donetella Versace could be seen mingling with guests at her Versace stores. Paul Smith was also in attendance, albeit in the form of a cardboard cut-out. And shoppers at Chanel got to take home previously unreleased makeup with their purchases. And Patrick and Ingie Chalhob celebrated the official launch of the Level Shoe District, complete with Solange Knowles DJing the party.
Next up, for those invited to the evening’s black-tie gala, a ride over to the gorgeous outdoor pavilion at the Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa. The chic setting featured tables adorned with a sea of glassware and tea lights on a backdrop that overlooked the Dubai Mall fountains.
