Going west
Indian designer-duo Falguni and Shane Peacock have been in the business for long enough to know what fashionistas in the UAE will be looking for at this time of the year. Sure enough, they have come up with a fascinating glamour-inspired collection of westernised kaftans and head-turning resort wear (Dh1,600-Dh5,500) specially created for the UAE market.
“We've used less embellishments and tried to blend regular shades,'' says Falguni.
WHERE: Samsaara Boutique, Souk Al Bahar
Steal deal
If you've been wanting to buy a jalabiya but were deterred by the unusually high prices, check out the Jawahar collection by Dubai-based French designer Francois Desroches.
The range includes 100 one-off jalabiyas in stunning designs and colours and they cost only Dh250 each. You can't get anything cheaper than this. The Jawahar collection exhibition is on until September 20.
WHERE: Coral Boutique Villas, Al Barsha
Silk and satin
Add a dash of elegance to your wardrobe by picking up exquisite animal prints in georgette chiffon and satin silk and delicately embellished crocheted skirts and tops from Marks & Spencer's exclusive Ramadan & Eid collection. To add splendour to your outfits, choose from a diverse range of gorgeous accessories and shoes. The collection is available until Eid Al Fitr.
where: Marks and Spencer stores
Top of the heap
Kani Home is perhaps your best bet if you are looking for kaftans (Dh1,375 each) that scream individualism. A playful blend of colour and culture, the new summer Fusion Collection also includes jalabiyas, pashminas, stoles and jewellery.
WHERE: Kani Home, Tunisian Court, Ibn Battuta Mall
Classic and chic
From classy evening gowns and salwar kameezes embellished with intricate embroidery work to pret-wear cotton tunic kurtis and an assortment of one-piece Indo-western outfits, Pakistani designers Amir Adnan and Huma Adnan have got them all under one roof at their plush store in Jumeirah.
Amir's creations, of course, are for formal occasions and may cost anywhere between Dh2,500 and Dh6,000. Huma's creations, labelled FNK Asia, are for informal occasions and cost between Dh300-Dh600 approximately.
WHERE: Amir Adnan and FNK Asia store, Jumeirah
Contemporary touch
It's not for nothing that Beena Soni is the most revered jalabiya designer in the region. With just a few deft cuts, she has given a sensuous contemporary touch to the traditional Emirati dress, without losing any of its Arabesque appeal. Her Ramadan collection — a combination of jalabiyas in silk and linen — cost a fortune, but they are also worth every penny.
WHERE: Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Shangri La Hotel, Abu Dhabi
