-
Aizone
Lose yourself for hours in this enormous Lebanese fashion emporium, with hard-to-find labels and snappy drag for twirling on the dance floor. Prices skew high, but wow, what a collection.
-
Amzaan
Sharjah princess Sheikha Maisa al-Qassimi's funky little boutique specializes in local and out-of-town designers, with an ever-changing line-up of labels. Ones to look for: Manoush, Free for Humanity, and Dubai-based brands you won't find anywhere else.
-
Bauhaus
Dubai's hipsters make it a habit to drop into Bauhaus frequently for its edgy fashion - from Evisu jeans to Philipp Plein and Antik Denim - street art, interesting CDs and occasional parties featuring live DJs, catwalk shows and graffiti art.
-
Blue Cactus
The buyer is from Mexico at this upstairs boutique, and boy, does she have an eye for brilliant colour and sexy lines. The va-va-voom fashions are mostly American, and range from sleek long dresses with gorgeous drapings to sassy separates that look hot on a dance floor. NB: the downstairs shop carries cool Mexican silver jewellery.
-
Boutique 1
Ground zero for prêt-à-porter straight off the runways of Paris and Milan, Boutique 1 is the pinnacle of Dubai's fashion scene with designers like Missoni and Yves St Laurent. If you're a fashionista but don't want to drop Dh10000 on a new outfit, pop in for a preview of next season's new looks, go home and recast them using thrift-shop finds, and you may find yourself featured in the New York Times 'On the Street' fashion page.
-
Camper
The opening of Dubai's first Camper store meant local hipsters no longer had to travel all the way to Barcelona for these funky, functional leather shoes and sneakers - crafted on centuries-old shoe-making techniques - although it was a good excuse while it lasted.
-
Charles & Keith
Just this side of a discount show boutique, Charles & Keith is a refreshing change from ubiquitous Prada. The girly collection of shoes ranges from easy-wear clogs to strappy sandals ideal for Dubai's heat.
-
Converse
Stock up on canvas All-Stars in a full palette of colours. Who cares if there's no arch support when your sneakers looks so cool?
-
Emilio Pucci
Emilio may be dead, but the signature swirly, colour-saturated paisleys he made famous in the 1960s live on. The tailoring is exquisite, the fabric's drape elegant and the psychedelic prints acid-trip ready.
-
Fidel
Fidel's minimalist flagship Dubai store stocks little else but funky Fidel T-shirts, t-shirts, hoodies and club-kid sneakers. The look is very back-to-school in the OC. If you're over 30, you may feel old.
-
Advertisement
-
Fleurt
Comb the racks for funky-smart fashions by Betsey Johnson and Soul Revival, among other progressives. The collection is refreshingly offbeat, with spangles and sequins, curve-hugging lines, and cheeky party frocks.
-
Ginger & Lace
Ginger & Lace stocks an eclectic selection of colourful, whimsical fashion by high-spirited New York designers Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson; German-bred Ingwa; Melero - love those sexy halter-top dresses; Tibi for Capri-style chic; Indian cult-label Ananya for signature bejewelled kaftans - a favourite of Madonna; and Australian brands Wheels and Doll Baby for the closest to rocker-bitch drag you'll find in Dubai. There's another at Wafi City.
-
Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo became a household name after his shoes began making regular cameo appearances on Sex and the City and adorned the feet of stars. Italian architects Vudafieri Partners and Lena Pessoa created the luxurious look of the Dubai flagship store, which features mirrored tables and suede fittings. Remember trying (and dreaming) is free.
-
Le Stock
If you're not above wearing last season's fashions, hit this clearinghouse for overstock from Le Stock's main branch (Wafi City Mall). Look for designer gear by the likes of Tata-Naka, Juicy Couture and Willow - all marked down 50% to 90%.
-
Marc By Marc Jacobs
The famous designer's diffusion line features downscaled, democratised sportswear by the reigning king of prêt-à-porter. But it ain't cheap: a T-shirt will set you back around Dh700 .
-
Mothercare
Out of the way, but open Friday mornings, Mothercare is one of the most popular and affordable shops for kid's necessities, from cute clothes and cuddly toys to baby carriers and car seats. There are other branches, but this one's close to several other children's shops at slightly downmarket Lamcy Plaza.
-
Mumbai Se
Star in your own Bollywood movie with Mumbai Se's cool Indian-inspired collection. Styles combine contemporary elements with classic designs, like kaftans adorned with Indian beading and seashell trim, bejewelled mandarin tunics, and tiny handcrafted bags embellished with semiprecious stones, spiritual emblems, and engravings.
-
Paul & Joe
Named for the proprietor's sons, Paul & Joe's French clothing is playfully post-modern - think coat dresses and flouncy peasant blouses - and a welcome change from standard mall fashions.
-
Praias
Emirati women wouldn't be caught dead wearing Praias' skimpy candy-coloured bikinis and swirly-patterned beach dresses in public. You shouldn't either unless you've first gotten a Brazilian wax.
-
Rectangle Jaune
Finally a store for men, with a terrific selection of dress shirts in snappy stripes and bold patterns by a Lebanese team of fashion-savvy designers. This is the only branch outside Lebanon.
-
Advertisement
-
Tape À L'oeil
A refreshing alternative to Gap Kids, Tape à l'Oeil carries fun kids' clothes that look like miniature adult wear. Denim features prominently, as do skirts and sweaters that look best on kids who keep their hair combed.
-
Topshop
The jewel in the crown of British high street fashion, Topshop's snappy ready-to-wear should be your first choice if Emirates lost your luggage in transit. The diverse selection runs from denim and jumpers to handbags and jazzy earrings.
-
Villa Moda
The sexy 2001 Space Odyssey interior is reason enough to visit Kuwait 'Sheikh of Chic' Majed al-Sabah's one-stop-designer-shop. It's an added bonus that its curvy capsule-like boutiques are home to the hottest fashion, including Alexander McQueen, Easton Pearson, Stella McCartney and Marni.
-
Vintage 55
Dress like dead celebrities in replicas of clothing they made famous. Vintage 55 creates limited-edition sets of drag worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Love those vintage Nikes.
-
Whistles
An antidote to Dubai's overly glam-focused shopping scene, Whistles carries smart, understatedly sexy women's wear - think outfits for a girls' night on the town.
