Fashion stores United Arab Emirates

The first Hindi boutique in Dubai created in reaction to the rampant standardization of fashion and clothing tastes, this brand, which the founders insist on writing with a star (S*uce), has paved the way for many others today. Like Colette in Paris, the store is multi-brand, presenting the creations of the regional hype-generation alongside a few pieces taken from Europe: Tata Naka, Ashish, Studd, Dice Kayek, Vanessa Bruno, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, See by Chloe. The website is great for online shopping.

Welcome to Mr. Farouk! Based in Abu Dhabi for over 25 years, this designer and his team are all Indian. This is an address that expatriates like to pass on to each other. If you dream of copying magazine dresses or remaking an outfit in a different colour at very reasonable prices, don't hesitate. You can buy your fabric at the Madinat Zayed souk and bring either an outfit or a magazine photo. They will take your measurements, calculate the estimate and call you a few days later for the first try on.

Amin is the place to go in Abu Dhabi to get a bespoke suit or to copy trousers and blouses in a different colour. It's also the go-to tailoring house for the military and government officials. While they make a lot of kanduras, they are also very good for European tastes. As they sell fabric as well, all you have to do is bring your model or a small photo. They will take all the measurements on the spot. Another advantage is that they accept credit cards. They usually take about 10 days.

In an area where dressmakers abound, this is the one that is a bit of a favorite. Located in a very local area, it also sells furnishing fabrics by the meter and offers the possibility to make sheets, tablecloths, towels and dresses. It is therefore very popular with expatriates who redo all their linens at very competitive prices for a quality well above what can be found in the well-known international brands.

Nazzy Belgari is Iranian and has a twenty-year career in journalism behind her. An artist and fashion designer, this is one of the best kept addresses in Abu Dhabi. Her fairy fingers run over the fabrics she hunts down during her trips to the ends of the earth to imagine unique models: coats, abayas, skirts and dresses. A wonderful personality behind a woman of great talent. A pleasure for the eyes, unique clothes sometimes inspired by Arabic calligraphy make wonderful gifts to bring back.

At the age of 17, while studying in Pakistan, Aroosi Iqbal launched her first collection for women. Today, she has two boutiques in Abu Dhabi and counts members of the royal family among her customers. Her designs are always inspired by the region's dress codes, ranging from shalwar kameez, kaftans and jalabiyas, to modern dresses, all with a couture feel. For those who wish, the brand also offers custom-made dresses, made by hand. A very nice gift to bring back home

It's almost like "Au bonheur des Dames". It's a veritable two-storey cave, selling every conceivable type of fabric for clothing: printed, plain, in every color and price range. Don't hesitate to call the mobile number if you have a pattern to copy. The store manager will direct you to a dressmaker who can reproduce your design. The whole area is full of fabric merchants, and you shouldn't hesitate to push open the doors to discover real treasures.

The old souk finds its natural place on the banks of the Creek, at the heart of the maritime trade, where local merchants would display their products to exporters in a row. Built in length and surmounted by a high openwork wooden arch frame, it protects from direct sunlight, but allows daylight to filter through, giving it a subdued atmosphere conducive to strolling. One should not hesitate to go also behind the Dubai Museum opposite the souk, in the more modern alleys to find a large number of cloth merchants.

In the land of children and the enchanted merry-go-round, this gallery invites you to plunge into a theatrical and luxurious decor on two floors, where brands such as Moulin Roty, Bensimon, Comme des Garçons, Lili Gaufrette, Zadig et Voltaire, Vilac and many others invite you to travel all the way to mainland France. Every weekend, free activities are offered to children, while others are subject to a charge. On the first floor, there are some great ideas for chic and expensive gifts, with exclusives such as the famous Sarah's Bag, made by women held in Lebanese prisons.

It all started with a second-hand vintage store in the Jumeirah district. Maha Rasheed, of Egyptian origin, passionate about the style of the 50s, was a great success. She has since set up her own store in City Walk, which is a hit. Bambah, whose name means "rose" in Arabic, is inspired by the actresses of the Egyptian cinema of the 50s and offers a collection where polka dots, floral patterns, long sleeves and a fitted waist are in the spotlight. Popular with customers in the Gulf, Bambah combines modernity and vintage.

Located a few meters from the Ajman Museum, it is worth a visit for its unique architecture and enchanting atmosphere. Recently renovated, it is part of the city's cultural heritage and its traditional architecture with its moucharabiehs is magnificent. This small souk is above all a textile one: colourful fabrics from India, Pashminas from Pakistan or Afghanistan and dressmakers follow one another in this gallery. A nice walk with very nice pictures to take in the late afternoon if you want to find them open.