Dubai’s best fashion boutiques

If you’re into authentic, pre-loved designer gear, head to the treasure trove that is Garderobe. Founded by former fashion buyer Micha Maatouk, you might chance upon upscale brands including Chanel, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta. Aside from chic dresses and retro-tastic outfits, there’s also a range of charming accessories to peruse, including glamorous bags, glittering jewellery and stylish sunglasses from the likes of Chloé and Oscar de la Renta.

Nestled in the cool and creative surroundings of the Dubai Design District (d3), Closet Case is a multi-brand menswear store straight from Soho London. This is the place to discover cutting-edge trends and stylish labels, stocking European, Japanese and Asian designer fashion. Check out the latest from Thom Krom and Uma Wang, as well as signature fragrances by One of Those and Mad Et Len.

Located in Dubai’s hip Boxpark, Urbanist is an uber-trendy store that holds a myriad of cool brands ranging from Comme des Garcons, Anya Hindmarch and Sophie Hulme to local names. Expect to find the latest in fashion, home accessories, jewellery, art and design at the boutique, which in itself pays homage to contemporary chic with a subtle Arabian twist. Shop and discover the Urbanist’s distinctly unique edit by its Syrian owner.

For an exclusive Dubai shopping experience, check out the independent boutiques housed in beautiful villas in the Jumeirah area. At multi-brand store Studio 8 by Dubai style maven Sarah Belhasa, you’ll find Indian and Pakistani labels as well as Emirati designers like Khulood Bin Arab, known for her lavish Swarovski-encrusted evening gowns. Even American fashion icon Paris Hilton popped by the store when she was in town filming My New BFF Dubai. If you're looking for stylish designer abayas and colourful kaftans, Studio 8 fits the bill, and if you don't have time for door-to-door shopping, check out their branch in The Dubai Mall.

This established multi-brand emporium is a passion project of Emirati trendsetter Salama Alabbar, who wanted to create a luxury ‘home away from home’. Labels Marchesa, Issa, Vera Wang and Temperley London share racks with emerging regional names such as Abeer Al Suwaidi, Razan Alazzouni and Reem Juan. Expect to find everything from accessories to evening gowns, and venture onto the store’s terrace for exceptional views of the Burj Khalifa and the dancing Dubai Fountains.

The brainchild of style icon Ingie Chalhoub, Etoile la Boutique at Mall of the Emirates offers a hot mix of high-end fashion handpicked straight from  European catwalks. Find new labels and clothes by top names in an inspiring space that reflects a baroque-fusion style. The boutique’s interiors were conceptualised by designer Jacques Garcia, where the floors are covered in a custom-made carpet from Brintons UK, and gilded walls are adorned with more than 350 gold leaves.