DUBAI - 09 March 2009: Tsumori Chisato has announced the opening of its first boutique in the Middle East at the Dubai International Finance Center's (DIFC) Gate Village in partnership with Villa Moda.
Designed to represent the luxurious essence of Tsumori Chisato's creations, the boutique carries a selection of the designer's women's ready-to-wear collection, handbags, shoes and accessories.
Built with a Dubai 'twist', the boutique is different from Tsumori Chisato's other boutiques around the world. Its design reflects the "whimsical, spectacular theme-park like" urban landscape that Tsumori Chisato feels characterises Dubai, aesthetic features that are embodied in her own fashion creations.
Sheikh Majed Al Sabah, Founder and Chairman of Villa Moda said: "The whimsical aesthetic of Tsumori Chisato's creations resonates with Dubai's own passion for spectacle and extravagance. Dubai's fashionistas will be enchanted by Tsumori Chisato's rich, color-drenched designs".
Abdulla Bin Sougat, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Lifestyle Group said: "We are pleased that Tsumori Chisato has established her first boutique in the Middle East at the DIFC Gate Village. Her playful, eccentric, eye-catching designs have struck a deep chord with men and women across the world. With the opening of the new boutique, we are sure that her creations will now be highly popular in the Middle East as well."
The 127-square metre boutique is divided into different sections to entice its guests to explore the space. A lower level has a colorful mosaic hut that features special collection items while the surrounding rails and shelves, done in playful colours, present luxury fabrics and prints. The upper area is a marvel of decorations, enhanced by a Middle Eastern-inspired golden mosaic tree.
Tsumori Chisato is well known for the feminine, curvy silhouettes, and the cheerfulness and themes of fantasy that distinguish her designs. The Dubai boutique reflects the very same style. A few steps into the boutique, guests will be immersed in a playground of fun and elegance.
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DIFC Lifestyle Group
Created at the Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC Lifestyle is a unique environment comprising high-end retailers, world-class restaurants and the best in international contemporary art and entertainment. Known as Dubai's best kept secret, DIFC Lifestyle has transformed the financial district into a new centre for retail and culture, accessible to Dubai's residents and visitors. DIFC Lifestyle's goal is to develop Dubai into a lifestyle choice as well as a professional hub. The exclusive precinct hosts an eclectic mix of art, culture and stunning architecture and is open to the public on weekdays from 10am to 10pm and on weekends from 10am to midnight. With over 175 nationalities working in a variety of sectors within the DIFC community, this diversity will be reflected in the assortment of activities and experiences on offer. (www.difc.ae/lifestyle)
About Villa Moda
Villa Moda was launched in 1992 in Kuwait as an alternative luxury fashion retailer, taking the best elements of luxury retail in the West and adding a distinct, cosmopolitan 'Gulf' twist for its wealthy, well-travelled and fashion-savvy clientele. With its creative vision and innovative approach, Villa Moda rapidly re-wrote the rules on world-class luxury retail. The core retail concept of Villa Moda lays in its multi-brand boutiques for men and women which offer some of the world's most desirable brands in an exquisitely designed space. Villa Moda also launches and operates flagship boutiques for many brands - including Gucci, Prada, Marni, Tom Ford, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana and more.
It wasn't long before Time Magazine dubbed its founder, Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah, 'The Sheikh of Chic', and his identity morphed from royalty (he is a nephew of the Emir of Kuwait) to fashion royalty as he became a regular front-row fixture at the shows in Paris and Milan. In 2002 - 3 he pulled off the un-heard of coup of persuading the likes of Miuccia Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Missoni and Marni to create limited edition series of kaftans exclusively for Villa Moda customers. A success from day one, Villa Moda rapidly built up a loyal following both regionally and internationally.
Since 2002 Villa Moda has opened new stores in Qatar, Bahrain, Dubai, Damascus, and Kuwait. Villa Moda was the first luxury retailer to venture into Syria, and has since expanded its operations to seven stores. In the coming months, Villa Moda will further flex its retail prowess with its over 30 flagship boutiques and multi-brand stores set to open in "DIFC Gate Village" in Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain bringing the total number of Villa Moda multi-brand stores in the region to 11.
Iman Ahmad
Regional Media Relations Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 50 2058021
E-mail: iman.ahmad@difc.ae
Press contact (Villa Moda):
Ayman Fakoussa
Tel: +97150-708-0063
Email: afakoussa@villa-moda.com
Alberto Grimme
Tel: +97150-708-0067
email: agrimme@villa-moda.com
© Press Release 2009
