4 designers to see at Market Outside the Box
For a nation that loves a mall quite unlike any other, the UAE seems to have embraced the market with gusto. From fresh vegetables to artisan jewellery, stalls have been popping up on lawns and beaches whenever the temperatures allow it.
Market Outside The Box adds fashion to the mix, supporting the local design community with a ten-day showcase of emerging talent on the grass of Burj Park – offering a more boutique counterpoint to the mega-sales of Dubai Shopping Festival everywhere else. More than 80 hand-picked vendors are taking part, and here are four we think are really worth checking out in this informal setting.
The Hipster
What: Founded in 2011 by sisters Nadine and Chirine Sabati, The Hipster brings to the market a fusion of bohemian chic, indie love, and edgy rock in a finely curated assortment of clothing, accessories, shoes, and even decorative homeware.
Why MOTB: “The pop-up market has been a great way for our online store TheHipster.com to make a rare physical retail appearance, helping us attract new customers and connect with existing ones.”
What will people see at the stall: “Our new collection of vintage-inspired vests and jackets, super fun tops and dresses, a line of gypsy silver jewellery and of course our most coveted collection of sunglasses. They will enjoy our effortless-design and cozy booth while grabbing some awesome pieces on sale!”
The brand in a sentence: “Not just an online boutique, is a door to a world of fashion and art which sheds the light on things away from the mainstream, through items we sell online, the music we share and the experiences we blog about.”
D by Dalia
What: What: Launched as a private home-based business in 2002 by Dalia Hamdallah, this was born out of her love for ethnic and African jewellery and semi-precious stones. She now create gorgeous pieces that reflect her upbringing in Egypt and Sudan.
Why MOTB: “To be able to showcase my pieces among the region’s top designers and having been specifically selected to do so feels great. It’s also in the middle of Dubai Shopping Festival so my brand will get exposure to tourists as well as residents.
What will people see at the stall: “Chunky earrings, chokers, necklaces; all exciting and modern conversation starters yet classic at the same time.”
The brand in five words? “Vintage vibes, oriental, ethnic, classic.”
Hautletic
What: A brand that proves style does not have to be compromised during workouts. In fact, managing director Priya Bhatia says: “we are bringing together two strengths that make us feel like the most confident versions of ourselves”.
Why MOTB: “It has always been an upmarket event that provides great exposure to smaller homegrown businesses like Hautletic. The moment I started the business, I knew Market OTB would be something I had to do. I’ve already signed up for next year.”
What will people see at the stall: “We want to inspire people to get active, but express their personalities while doing so. So we will not just be providing clothes from some of the strongest up and coming brands in Activewear from the US and Australia (like Michi, Outdoor Voices, Vie Active), but also complementary classes from partner gyms and studios across Dubai.
The brand in a sentence: “Hautletic is a retail and distribution concept focused on bringing technical and fashion forward active wear to the market.”
Deborah Henning
What: A label born in Dubai in 2014 by a designer who had previously honed her skills at brands such as Alexander McQueen and Sass & Bide. A beautiful mix of playful and androgynous, her collections harness a “just out of bed” style while remaining refined though the use of high-quality fabrics sourced in France and Italy.
Why MOTB: “It’s a pleasure to join an event with a proven track record, and one that brings life to the retail environment in Dubai. Narimane Kurdi curates MOTB and we’ve known each other a few years now.”
What will people see at the stall: “Lots of black, white and grey! I use a monochrome palette and add some metallic. The space will be clean and minimal, but we’re also planning some fun elements.
The brand in five words: “Stylish, minimalist, comfortable, clean, effortless.”
When: From January 21 to 30. 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends
Where: Burj Park,
