New Saint Laurent store offers a series of regional specials
The Dubai Mall flagship is one of the largest in the world, offering rare runway pieces and a dedicated men’s section, writes Selina Denman
f there is one piece from Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2018 collection that sums up the brand’s edgy attitude, it is the Yeti boot – a column of ostrich feathers set on a sleek, sky-high heel. Available in thigh-skimming and anklelength versions, the Yeti takes pride of place in Saint Laurent’s new flagship store in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension, alongside the season’s much lauded strapless minidresses, with their batwing skirts and oversized bouffant tops; high-waisted leather shorts; leopard print tops; embroidered pantsuits; and boxy parkas.
Covering three levels, the store is the biggest in the region and one of the largest in the world. It is home to one of the most extensive collections, encompassing leather goods, shoes, sunglasses, jewellery and ready-to-wear, which includes rare runway pieces not available elsewhere. The third level of the store is home to the men’s collections, and is one of the few dedicated menswear spaces globally. In addition, for the first time in the region, the store is also offering three fragrances from YSL’s Vestiaire des Parfums collection.
The store itself is a work of minimalist art: floors and walls are crafted from white Carrara and “black silk” marble. A grand staircase in silver marble is complemented with structures in nickel-plated brass and glass, including leather and nickel-plated brass benches. Hanging rails make
the clothes look like they are suspended in mid-air, and shoes and bags take the form of priceless exhibits in a gallery or museum. A concealed VIP room features vintage furniture from the 1930s, as well as gold Japanese-inspired lamps.
“Today we are in a further phase of growth,” says Francesca Bellettini, president and chief executive of Saint Laurent. “Anthony [Vacarello, the brand’s creative director] is mastering perfectly the house’s dynamics and its power over the collective imagination… Anthony has his own vision and identity and he is using his own language to take the brand to the next level, bring it into the future while respecting its DNA.
“The maison was actually the first one to be at the same time revolutionary and luxury, and this is what we are now. These codes make Saint Laurent relevant today. Anthony is naturally embracing this spirit… he is bringing back the silhouette and elevated offer, still focusing on empowerment, new generation, freedom, connectivity, coolness.”
To celebrate Ramadan, the Dubai Mall flagship will be offering its iconic Sunset bag in a new hue that is exclusive to the Middle East. Reimagined in a shiny, embossed green crocodile leather, the medium-sized, chain-strap bag will retail at US$2,290 (Dh8,410). For our full interview with Saint Laurent’s president and chief executive, read the May issue of Luxury magazine, out Thursday