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Your guide to made-to-measure fashion in Dubai

Mon, August 24, 2020

Let these bespoke souvenirs make a statement just for you.

Let these bespoke souvenirs make a statement just for you.

1

Sparkle like the stars

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On the speed-dial of Dubai's celebrities, fashionistas and socialites, jewellery designer Nadine Kanso is best known for her Bil Arabi line. While there are ready-made pieces on display in her studio in Dubai Design District, the Arab designer will also invent bespoke pieces for customers looking to invest in something unique. Kanso will add in stones of your choosing to her signature curves and swooping Arabic script, with black diamonds a favourite amongst her VIP clientele.

2

Design your own dress

Much more than your average tailor, Scissors Tailoring Studio is also home to local label Rewita, a back-to-basics designer specialising in pieces that can be customised. Select your favourite style of dress, coat, pants or blouse from the in-store templates, then add in your pick of patterns and fabric. Inspired by a piece you already own? The in-house seamstress can replicate your favourite design, turning out your dream outfit just days later.
3

Mix a signature scent

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Parfum M.Micallef offers scent aficionados the opportunity to create their own one-of-a-kind fragrance. The French perfume salon invites clients to pick and choose from floral bouquets and earthy influences that inspire their olfactory scenes, carefully sealing their signature scene in art-design glass flacons. You can even customise the bottle with an engraved message or a Swarovski crystal design, courtesy of an in-store artisan.
4

Take a magic carpet ride

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The Middle East is renowned for its hand-crafted carpets, with Dubai's Bedouin-style designs no exception. Noting the region's love for personalisation, The Rug Company has recently launched in Al Quoz's artsy Alserkal Avenue, partnering with local artisans The Odd Piece to create an in-store app that allows clients to design their own carpet or rug. Choose the desirable Pantone shade, design details, placement and sizing, before finalising the materials and technique. Your rug can then be shipped anywhere in the world to await your return.
5

Amaze with your own abaya

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Emirati women – and modest dressers alike –  love the long, flowing abaya for its chic appearance and practicality. The modern Arab woman often chooses to have her's tailor-made for special occasions or pieces that stand out from the crowd. A new Arabian fashion concept, Diva Abaya Couture creates luxury abaya designs with an eye for detail, offering specifications for sheer panelling, digital prints, lace dentelle, raw silk and hand-embroidery. Consult with seamstresses who can spend up to two days completing the frills, and have your abaya built to your exact fit and even heel length. The studio's manager will also happily advise first-timers on how to drape the delicate folds of their new purchase – an art in itself.
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