The market, which is expected to post over Dh100 billion in sales through more than 30,000 transactions in first quarter, will sustain steady increase in transactions and prices throughout the year
Those who have known me have always been aware of my passion for fashion. However, they were surprised when I joined banking. I majored in finance and then got a job with ABN Amro. By the time I was 25, I was one of the youngest private bankers who was handling portfolios for clients. Then, eventually, it came to a point where I wanted to pursue my passion and wanted to start something of my own. With DIVAlicious, my concept was simple - put some labels together and get people to buy. Back in 2011, the concept of fashion exhibitions did not exist. A year after my show in Dubai, I decided to take the exhibition to Mumbai where the market was already saturated but the response was overwhelming. Ever since, there has been no turning back.
What really changes in fashion is the concept, requirement and theme. In Dubai, when I started my exhibition, the appetite to spend was much more because the access to fashion for shoppers was limited. Now, it's the reverse. The access and awareness is so vast that they still want to buy, but don't want to spend much. Which is why I am now focusing on emerging brands. Emerging designers experiment and are affordable. This is the mantra everywhere.
No, but people are spoilt for choice. And when that happens, the price varies. Why do you think Tarun Tahiliani or Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla are coming up with pret lines? Because those are affordable and they don't want to lose out on that clientele.
Many designers connect through social media. We contact them and then screen their collections. If we feel they are apt for a certain market, we ask them to join us. I look at two things: one, the brand should not kill the market for others, I don't want them to sell something at factory rates; second, I don't like two people selling a similar product, they're asked to showcase a different line.
Emerging designers are innovative in their own way. They come up with concepts that are different. They use same fabrics but give them a unique spin. Plus, the range is often wider - there is something for a petite woman, and then there are offerings for a plus-size woman. I think the audiences are open to looking at stuff like that.
Modest fashion is here to stay because people have different reasons to buy those kind of clothes. I think many contemporary designers are doing a good job of modest fashion. At my show in Hong Kong, they love all things bold and blingy, irrespective of age and size. On the other hand, in Jakarta, they love subtlety and all things classic. So, market demands dictate these choices.
I will again cite the Jakarta example. I had a client who was plus-size and she had a tough time finding clothes for her. So, we had designers who'd actually sell fabrics or customise clothes for her. These needs are also factored in at my Dubai show. I have 15-20 women exhibitors who will be taking orders for plus-size women.
In Dubai, the perception is that there's no money left and people are looking at more conservative ways to spend. That's not true. The reality is that people still have money to spend on fashion, but they want affordable clothes. Rather than spending on one expensive piece of clothing, they'd prefer to buy 10 outfits for that price.
Here, when women want to shop, they don't think about much else. This time, we have Karan Johar launching his own jewellery line. Celebrities and fashion go hand in hand. More than them, it's the bloggers and influencers who play an important role. They are real people with real bodies. When they wear something, people are inclined to buy.
anamika@khaleejtimes.com
The market, which is expected to post over Dh100 billion in sales through more than 30,000 transactions in first quarter, will sustain steady increase in transactions and prices throughout the year
She was shopping in Hong Kong, where she was on vacation with her family, when someone spotted her and asked if she'd like to become a model.
After the October 7 attacks, Israel imposed a complete siege on Gaza, blocking food, water and medicine, before eventually allowing some deliveries
The event highlighted Hilton's innovative ‘Green Ramadan’ initiative and its commitment to sustainable hospitality in Hilton
On every 19th of Ramadan, the country celebrates Sheikh Zayed Humanitarian Day to commemorate the humanitarian efforts of the founding father
Customers can earn miles with every purchase made with any linked payment card across all Union Coop stores and online
People will be trained for a couple of months before they are able to drive and fly it
Conditions are likely to get humid by night time