There isn't a city that suits the Versace brand more than Dubai. Here, everything is bigger and better, so it stands to reason that a name like Versace would fare well. And so, with many Versace aficionados in the region, it was only a matter of time before the eminent design house opened its first ever home boutique in the Gulf. While home boutiques are already popular in other parts of the world, including Milan, this store in Dubai Mall, with its beguiling eclectic collection, is not to be missed.
From stunning wine glasses that boast the signature Medusa emblem built into the stem to the commandeering, vibrant sofas with the mandatory Versace design, there is something for everyone at the store. Roberto Selva, Versace licensee division director, says, "We have the complete home collection here." The collection is divided into two main concepts. "One is the modern design and the other is the heritage collection," he says. "In Dubai, we do tend to see more attention given to the heritage collection. It's sexy, colourful and has a strong, distinguished identity."
Colourful baroque pieces are the brand's trademarks, and to ensure that they are perfectly displayed, the store concept is rather simple. "We worked for more than six months on the store," admits Selva. "We have the same concept in Milan as well as in all the other home boutiques, and we use neutral colours so that the collection, with its strong identity, stands out." With light wood panelling adorning the walls, the contrast works well, and with Versace's famous connections to the art world, the walls also function as a gallery space for artists to exhibit their work. The opening of the store was celebrated by artist Julie Verhoeven's original precious silk prints that re-interpret Versace's Medusa symbol.
Some of the 2010 boutique items are linked to the past. The Marco Polo dinner set, a new and particularly colourful line for any discerning dining table, is one of the collections to look out for. In addition, there are luxurious textile collections, superb giftware in crystal and porcelain and fine porcelain china service sets that range from Versace's epic Medusa red to the delicate Spring Le Jardin de Versace. But, for those who are not quite sure what to buy, or how to mix and match the items in the store, there is also an interior design service.
Offering such amazing products with exclusive design services, it is no surprise that Selva is bullish about the store. "Versace home boutique in Dubai will have a great presence and, with our partner Damac, it will undoubtedly be a success." However, while the home boutique is a strong part of the Versace Empire (it was started in 1992 by Gianni Versace), according to Selva, another important part of the business are the Palazzo Versace projects. The world's first ever fashion-branded hotel was the Palazzo Versace on Australia's Gold Coast and, fortunately for the UAE, the second Palazzo Versace is opening in Dubai in the not too distant future.
"Dubai is the heart of the Middle East, and we have a long term investment here," says Selva. "The Palazzo Versace is on schedule for 2010 and we have finished the skeleton. Palazzo Versace Dubai is a high profile project and a great investment in the long term." The 130,000 square metre Palazzo Versace Dubai will also include single-storey and duplex residences and a showcase penthouse. This high-end project will be completely furnished with an exclusive line of Versace Home products. Some of the larger residences will have their own private cinema, library, gardens and spa-style saunas.
Located on the foreshore of the Dubai Creek, the Palazzo Versace promises to ooze decadence and maintain that luxurious trademark, making it unmistakably Versace, just like Dubai Mall's new home boutique!
