MEET DUBAI’S BOHO ENTREPRENEUR
Tell us a bit about Dunesi
Dubai might be a year-round beach destination, but surprisingly, it doesn't mean you can easily shop for summer dresses every month. Having lived here for over ten years has made me a huge fan of colourful prints, so I found a gap in the market for high quality, limited edition, brightly coloured resort wear that would be available all year. I started Dunesi with the aim to create clothes and accessories that people can make memories with, so they can re-live that lovely holiday feeling every time they wear them.
What does a boho chic lifestyle look like?
Boho chic means finding your own style instead of following trends, focusing on little moments instead of things that make you happy, finding time for that picnic with friends, lighting up a candle even if you are having dinner alone after the kids have gone to bed. Embracing the great outdoors. Finding your tribe and loving them hard. And tassels. Lots of tassels!
Tell us a bit about your favourite pieces
My favourite is our Formentera dress. It's no coincidence that it's named after one of my favourite holiday destinations as it's simply the perfect summer maxi dress. It's currently available in a couple of different prints and fabrics, and we recently launched a slightly updated style of it, Formentera '18, that's even more flattering. I will pack several of them to take with me to Formentera this summer.
Do you believe in ethical manufacturing?
Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are a significant part of our philosophy.
Currently we design and manufacture everything by ourselves to ensure high quality plus ethical treatment of staff. We also continuously take small, important steps towards being more sustainable. When sourcing fabrics all over the world we try to find more ecological options such as organic cotton or Tencel, for example. We also aim to produce clothing that can be treasured for seasons to come and not be thrown out after a new trend takes over.
Who would be your fashion role model?
For years and years I have admired the seemingly effortless style of the ultimate boho and rock chick Kate Moss. I would actually love to see her doing more designing, too.
Where are your top Dubai boho spots?
I love Fish Dubai at The Westin, which is a charming, and very photographic beach taverna that serves Aegean seafood and mezze, and is a perfect spot for sundowners. You can dig your feet in the sand and enjoy a romantic dinner under fairy lights and stars. I also love Comptoir 102 – the healthy cafe is one of my favourite spaces on Jumeirah Beach Road, and it’s home to a concept store with an eclectic mix of fashion, home decor and furniture, too. I’m a big fan of O de Rose on Al Wasl Road for a unique shopping experience engaging all five senses. And lastly, I love Cabin, a restaurant that doubles as an artist’s studio or vice versa. This Al Barsha gem is run by British artist Jonathan Gent who wanted to bring a rural cabin into an urban setting.