Want to shop like a socialite? Here’s where to start
From a nail polish matched to your shoes, to a personal shopper at the world’s largest mall to the sourcing of a limited edition vintage treasure … there are surprises in store for the dedicated shopper in Dubai. These are some of the retail therapy treats insiders swear by…
Pre-brunch primping
Add a little TLC to your next shopping trip with Harvey Nichols’ new beauty services. The department store's “Beauty and the Brunch” concept embraces Dubai's love of brunch, with women invited every Friday morning to be treated to an Oribe blow-out or braids in the in-house Beauty Bar, a Smith & Cult manicure, and a make-up touch-up to leave you looking polished for brunch. Men aren't left out, with the menswear department also home to The Gentleman's Bar, a one-stop-shop for all manly grooming needs. Get expert advice on how to best care for a beard, or add to your cologne wardrobe with a curated selection of signature men's scents.
Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha
+971 4 409 8888
Shop like a VIP
Make The Dubai Mall your personal shopping playground with an exclusive styling package. For a fee (from AED2,950 for three hours), your personal shopper will lead you through a selection of the latest designer pieces, already curated according to your tastes prior to your arrival, from the VIP comfort of The Lounge in the glamorous Fashion Avenue. Want to double-check the racks in-store? You'll be chauffeured door-to-door by the in-mall limousine and porter service.
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
+971 4 367 5555
Colour-matched pedi
Do some sole-searching during your next visit to Level Shoes District. The super-sized shoe boutique is also home to Sole Lounge by Margaret Dabbs, the celebrity pedicurist's only outpost outside London. After selecting your favourite pair with the help of Level's one-on-one footwear stylists, recline and watch as the feet specialists colour match a nail-polish to your new shoes, whether a Louboutin red, or a silver-studded matte black.
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
+971 4 501 6688
From runway to right away!
A-lister favourite, Boutique1 goes to great lengths to ensure you're treated like a celebrity before you even step into its Mall of the Emirates or The Walk at JBR stores. The luxury chauffeur service collects guests from their hotel, delivering them directly to the boutique's doors. Spot something you lust after on the international catwalks? Boutique1's buyers will happily chase down that dress or bag. They have established a reputation for securing Paris- or Milan-only exclusives for their VIP customers.
Boutique1, Mall of the Emirates
+971 4 448 3400
Try before you buy
Marks and Spencer has upped the ante on online shopping with their instant gratification delivery service – another only-in-Dubai experience. After selecting your potential buys online, the M&S VIP concierge will deliver it all directly to your hotel room and be on stand-by while you try on pieces and choose what to keep and what to hand back.
Marks and Spencer, The Dubai Mall
+971 4 339 8890
The vintage hunters
Still regret not snapping up that Louis Vuitton monogrammed Speedy tote when it was first released? The Luxury Closet gives rueful shoppers a second chance. Available by appointment, the Luxury Closet's curators will round up vintage, limited edition and hard-to-find pieces from brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent (or YSL when it was YSL). With bags, shoes, gowns and accessories classed and priced by wear and rarity, there are some surprising bargains to be found for collectors of vintage treasures.
The Luxury Closet
+971 800 589
