Shahi Hamad, owner of new Dubai boutique 50°C, is not a stereotypical fashion guru. While the 30-year-old has nothing against posh frocks, she’d rather mooch about in Ksubi jeans, Aei-Kei jumpers and Paul Frank T-shirts.
“I love anything that comes from Williamsburg in New York,” says the London College of Fashion graduate. “Whether it’s through art magazines like Kilimanjaro, or funky music from Compost Records, 50°C steers away from the glitz and glamour,” she explains.
Japanese interior designer Manabu Ozawa came up with a “warehousey” vibe for 50°C, and Shahi ensures that only the quirkiest lines make the cut. “My motto is: anything Lindsay Lohan is not wearing!” she says.
Shahi sells bags made from ghutras (male headscarves) by local designer Pink Sushi, edgy canvasses by Genevieve Gauckler and lots of Kidrobot paraphernalia. Her top Dubai spots are:
Cherine Magrebi
“Being in Dubai without sunglasses is like going to the Alps without a coat – the bigger, the better, in my opinion. Go to Cherine Magrabi in Harvey Nichols for the coolest shades. It’s a small stand but boasts a big selection of one-off vintage sunglasses from the likes of Gucci, Chanel and Ray-Ban.”
Deepak’s
“I think everyone who’s lived in Dubai for a while has a soft spot for Satwa, between Sheikh Zayed Road and the beach. It’s one of the oldest parts of town and, despite being a little shabby around the edges, there’s so much going on here. For anyone looking for a spot-on tailored suit or dress, pop down to Deepak’s. It’s definitely one of the best tailors in town.”
Souq Al-Bastakiya
“I love Safa Park’s flea market [held the first Saturday of every month for affordable odds and ends, but for more fashionable gems pop down to Souq Al-Bastakiya, where all of Dubai’s up-and-coming designers, such as Buffi Jashanmal, sell their stuff.”
Ginger & Lace
“I love the fact that Ginger & Lace is independent. It’s all too easy to get swallowed up in the chain stores, and this is something unique. Ginger & Lace is filled with so much cool stuff I don’t know where to start… It’s great at getting in local designers like Zufi Alexander. Her bags are huge in the Middle East.”
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