The changing face of Dubai fashionBeing at the centre of world trade has its advantages. You name it and chances are you can find it in Dubai - particularly when it comes to fashion.  In recent years Dubai has quickly emerged as a global centre for international design, fashion and jewellery.

The city now boasts 40 shopping malls – some of the largest in the world – with nearly every high-street store represented.  But in amongst the British, American and Asian fashion brands, a new type of store is emerging with clothing rarely seen off the catwalks of London, Milan or New York. Individual fashion and jewellery brands are now setting up shop in malls and in five-star hotel boulevards to sell to an exclusive clientele that simply do not do second best.

Wafi City is one of the best-known malls. It houses stores for Chanel and Givenchy (ready to wear). BurJuman has Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Ferragamo and Prada.  City Centre has DKNY, Karen Millen and Dolce & Gabbana. Add the stylish Emirates Towers Boulevard features Gucci, Yves St Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta and Villa Moda (Alexander McQueen, Prada, Marni, Stella McCartney) and Dubai has the full array of international designer names. The same can be said for jewellery and watches. Bulgari, Cartier, Virtu, Harry Winston, Tiffany and Graff are all represented individually, while every conceivable make of adornment is available at the many excellent local jewellers located throughout the city.

It’s fun to haggle for gold at the world-famous gold souk in Deira or for electronics in the markets of Bur Dubai. It’s equally rewarding finding dressmakers and tailors to produce stunning garments for half the price it would cost abroad. These bargain novelties will never change. But shopping is no longer simply a question of finding the lowest price. It is now about finding the world’s most exclusive fashion houses right at your doorstep.