All I want for Christmas: The Dubai edition

This year, I have made my Christmas wishlist a ‘Made in the Middle East’ one, as there so many fabulous local designers who have managed to marry this region’s love of decadence with an au courant feel of modern restraint. The result is something that has a hint of opulence, but is so elegant that it becomes a timeless investment. This is why, everything I want for Christmas is full of Middle Eastern promise. If you are going to Dubai for the holidays, why not look at something local that speaks of modern Arab design as a stocking filler for your loved ones?

Arm candy

Women in this region love their arm candy, and a designer bag is a must in most wardrobes—they seldom leave home without one. The region has a couple of home-grown handbag brands such as Natalie Trad and Sarah’s Bag that have made a mark internationally. And Dubai-based Lilian Afshar’s brand, L’Afshar, known for their Perspex clutches, is definitely one to watch out for too. The lines of her clutches are very clean, but textured effects such as marble or a “crushed ice” look add a feel of luxury to them. What’s more, she can personalise your bag with your birthdate or wedding date too! The brand is popular among celebrities—Kendall Jenner has stepped out in a Lucite bag from L’Afshar on more than one occasion—and the clutches make for the perfect companion to a cocktail dress, or even a cocktail sari. L’Afshar is available on both Moda Operandi and Net-A-Porter, and Afshar recently started a collection of leather bags as well.

Ring of desire

Stacking rings is so 2018; now it’s time to make a statement with the signet ring. Traditionally worn by men, this accessory has become a girl’s best friend in recent times. A true signet ring is personalised, and when it comes to personalised jewellery in Dubai, your go-to jeweller has to be Bil Arabi. The brand is all about the use of the Arab alphabet with a contemporary touch. Hailing from Beirut, Nadine Kanso is proud to call Dubai her home and is known as someone who sets the style agenda in the Middle East. Thanks to her love of rings, which she marries with her unique take on androgyny, the signet has always been an important part of her collection. She recently launched a new collection of signet rings that use both enamel and diamonds, and they are beautiful enough to tempt you to get one for every finger.

The garb

Situated at a studio in the Dubai Design District, Kage is one of the coolest Arab labels to know. A pioneering brand that went low-key for a few years, this one made a comeback with their fall/winter 2016 collection, under the creative directorship of Basma Abu Ghazaleh. Unlike other ‘Made in the Middle East’ labels, Basma stays away from embroidery and embellishment—making Kage the go-to label for the more discerning fashion girl. Well-tailored and free spirited, she mixes plaid with floral prints and blazers with Bardot-style dresses. Her fall/winter 2019 collection is eclectic yet elegant, and is currently stocking at stores like Saudi Arabia’s Harvey Nichols and Dubai’s Etoile. In conclusion, Kage is wearable label that features a street-style feel, and works well for a working girl who still likes to have fun with fashion.

Beauty spot

Shiffa Beauty is one of Middle East’s best-selling luxury skincare brands, and also has a sizeable global presence. Run by Emirati beauty boss, Dr Lamees Hamden, its ‘hero’ product is the healing balm, which I use as a night cream in the winter months. The cult clean beauty brand recently introduced an Emerald Clarifying Oil too, inspired by Indian gemmology, which has been tailor-made for oily skin types. With an ingredient list of neem and sage that provide with antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities, the oil promises to balance and purify one’s skin.