THE DETAILS
Free returns on Asos and a new Pakistani fashion store in Dubai – Lindsay Judge brings you the latest fashion news
FREE RETURNS WITH ASOS!
UK-based online shopping megasite Asos is giving UAE shoppers free shipping on returns. The new service means you can shop as much as you want and return unwanted or ill-fitting items via Aramex. Previously there was a fee to return items, which made shopping on the site unappealing to some customers. The online portal will allow customers to arrange pick-up of the items they don’t want and fill in the details of why they are returning the item online. The announcement is part of Asos’s plans to grow in the Middle East market – just the latest international online retailer to enter the fray this year.
ADD SOME SPARKLE
Swarovski has opened its first Crystal Lab, and no surprise, it’s in Dubai. What is a crystal lab, you ask? Nothing to do with Breaking Bad ,we promise. It’s the Austrian crystal brand’s first customising store, and shoppers can take along their own shoes, clothes, accessories, jewellery and homewares to have them personalised with crystals. Find it inside the new Robinsons department store in Dubai Festival City.
RE WORK YOUR HE RM È SS CAR F
Hermès Matic is the latest pop-up store to land in Dubai. Not only can you browse and buy from the newest collection of scarves and accessories, you can also ‘overdye’ your old Hermès scarf to give it a fresh look. The Hermès Ma tic store takes on the form of a retro launderette and even has a Silk Ambassador on site to help you choose the perfect scarf. It’s at City Walk 2 until tomorrow.
SKIN STYLE
I’m really loving Swatch’s new Skin collection of watches. The range introduces a grown-up feel to the brand, and includes seven minimalist styles and colours for men and women. The stretchy strap is designed to move with your skin, meaning you won’t even notice that you’re wearing it. From Dh395, available at Rivoli.
CALLING ALL AUSSIES
Australian ladies (and fashion lovers of all nationalities) out there will be seriously excited about next month’s launch of You Boutique. This is the first online retailer in the UAE that we’ve seen with so many affordable Australian fashion brands in one place. Some of the brands available are Isabelle Quinn, Mossman, Morrisday The Label, Runaway and Seven Wonders (pictured left). This is just the starting point – every month new designers will be added to the site. Products will be delivered direct to your door, within the UAE – you-boutique.com.
MORE PAKISTANI FASHION
Khaadi has added a new shop to its growing list in the UAE. Now open in Deira City Centre, the store stocks traditional and modern Pakistani designs for men, women and children. The artistic feel to the brand means you’ll find hand-drawn prints and arty designs on the clothes. There’s also a fab range of accessories and homewares, including bedding and furniture. What more could you want?