Mall of the Emirates Unveils the Fashion District

Contemporary fashion has a new address and it's at Mall of the Emirates Fashion District, which was officially unveiled today by Majid Al Futtaim. Presenting a dynamic collection of modern brands, with influences from fashion's most enviable cities, Mall of the Emirates has introduced a number of first-time stand-alone boutiques into the UAE including the debut of iconic American luxury label Halston Heritage, the edgy McQ by Alexander McQueen, and Parisian-chic with Sandro. More than 30 contemporary stores define this 5,000sqm fashion destination, unveiling a refreshed mix of debut and existing brands to create a stylish new landmark for the city.

"The Fashion District is a significant milestone in Mall of the Emirates Evolution 2015 redevelopment, providing a tangible preview of the mall's wider ambitions to introduce innovative fashion and lifestyle concepts," said Dimitri Vazelakis, Executive Managing Director – Shopping Malls for Majid Al Futtaim - Properties. "The redevelopment is Mall of the Emirates most aspirational project to-date, with an investment of AED 1 billion to transform our flagship shopping centre to new and compelling standards of design and shopping excellence."

Mall of the Emirates Fashion District offers a fusion of international fashion, with influences from America, Europe including the UK, Japan and the UAE. Halston Heritage, an evolution of the iconic American luxury brand Halston, makes its UAE debut with its timeless collection of ready-to-wear fashion. Other firsts are Elie Tahari, Alice & Olivia and C Wonder. A newly relocated Marc by Marc Jacobs brings the urban flair of New York City, while established west coast brand St. John's will also find a new home in the fashion district.

"Mall of the Emirates has further diversified its luxury fashion offer with a complementary precinct solely dedicated to modern, contemporary fashion," said Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Senior Director – Property Management, Shopping Malls for Majid Al Futtaim - Properties. "With one quarter of the Fashion District dedicated to first-time brands, Mall of the Emirates is underscoring its leadership in the region's fashion industry, with the influence to attract unique brands from across the world."

Unique French brands Maje and Sandro will be introducing effortless, yet elegant Parisian style to shoppers, and will be joined by Azzaro, BCBG, Paule Ka and luxury leather goods connoisseur, Longchamps. Contemporary German brand Betty Barclay will also be repositioned amongst its modern women's wear counterparts. British luxury makes its mark with overstated elegance as the UAE's first-ever McQ boutique makes a debut, derived from the House of Alexander McQueen. Adding to the string of UK-bred fashion brands are Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Hackett and luxury bath and beauty store Molton Brown.

Finally, from the far east the fashion district will also feature Japanese powerhouse Kenzo unveiling its distinctive collection of 'east meets west' collections joined by Malaysian footwear brand Opera; Valencia, showcasing a range of Spanish footwear and accessories, Lori Blu and Fabi, connoisseurs of Italian luxury footwear and Italian accessories brand, Braccialini. Representing the UAE, exquisite designs can be found in Cocoon.

Mall of the Emirates multi-stage redevelopment is worth an estimated AED 1 billion. The project, which will reveal a series of exciting new shopping, dining and entertainment concepts, is the largest of its kind undertaken by Mall of the Emirates to-date and will set a new benchmark of design and shopping excellence for the retail landscape. By 2015, 25% of the mall's retail mix will be completely new for shoppers, including the debut brands now open at the fashion district.

For more information, please visit Facebook.com/MalloftheEmirates.