January sales are great for saving money – they’re not so great for your stress levels or wardrobe, however. More often than not you end up in elbow fights with other shoppers and leaving with tat you would never have looked at if it hadn’t been discounted. With this in mind, we talk with Zayan Ghandour, co-owner, creative director and head buyer of S*uce about what makes her boutiques unique and what to look out for in the sales.
Sum up the S*uce style…
The S*uce style is unique, playful, girly and fashion-forward. It’s Paris-meets-Tokyo-meets-UAE!
What is your buying philosophy?
We look for pieces with an extra element or detail – pieces that are out of ordinary and special. We seek out brands that are in line with catwalk collections but also manage to transcend trends. We always strive to uncover new brands that we feel will become big in the future. Many of our big, well-known brands started off as small, obscure labels that nobody had heard about. We can take that risk because the rewards are so great; it gives our customers a chance to be truly unique. I like to think of it as a ‘fashion curation’ as every item in store is handpicked and often customised with our customers in mind.
What do you look for in a new collection/designer?
In addition to quality, we look for distinctive details and a signature look that stands out.
Do you think it is important to showcase emerging/local talent?
Of course, S*uce has been hugely involved in supporting local talent from the very start. We also hold an annual ‘stars in our eyes’ shopathon every September where we showcase local and regional designers. The winner of our annual ‘design a dress’ competition also gets to design a six-piece collection sponsored by and launched at S*uce.
What are this season’s top trends?
The glamourised punk look is popular: chains and studs, shoulder pads and biker jackets.
Top three must-haves to buy now?
Sally K hand-painted clutch, Camilla & Marc metallic gold blazer with shoulder pads and Belle Sauvage Pam-Est-La print dress that uses sketch drawings of Pamela Anderson!
What’s your top tip for successful sale’s shopping?
Be the first to go because key pieces sell out very fast!
What are the key trends for spring/summer 2010?
Feminine punk: this season’s black makes way for pastels. Lace and broderie anglaise will also feature heavily in the collections.
Who is your favourite designer?
Sooo many favourites! Philip Lim, Saccai and Essa to name but a few.
Which new designer, or undiscovered talent, will be the next ‘big thing’?
Mary Katranzou is going from strength to strength. She is already big but I’m pretty sure she will get even bigger. Watch this space…
S*uce, 1st Floor, New Extension, Marina Mall (02 681 8650).
