Hugo Boss
Having recently announced its plans to open 50 new stores worldwide this year, it seems Hugo Boss is one brand riding out the recession in style. The German label, for which Scottish designer Graeme Black is a creative consultant, offers refined, masculine clothing for well-heeled gents, fashion editors and regular guys who appreciate a no-nonsense style. In-store collections at the brand’s Marina Mall headquarters include the sportswear-inspired Boss Green range; Boss Orange and Boss Hugo Boss.
Best for: Creating the backbone to your wardrobe with timeless pieces.
Best buy: Beach-friendly print T-shirts (Dhs450), checked shirts and funky flip-flops – your summer wardrobe, sorted.
Hugo Boss, Marina Mall (02 634 2988)
Swatch
Abu Dhabi youths swarm to the stores of street-style Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch for plastic straps and pop-art designs in vibrant colours. Definitely one for those who prefer to have fun with their fashion.
Best for: Students, DJs and other young creative types.
Best buy: A classic Swatch watch in bold block colour is around Dhs395. Or try the retro-style chunky gold bracelet version, Dhs545.
Swatch, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 9260), Marina Mall (02 681 2242) and Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4674)
Bang & Olufsen
With its sliver-thin designs, top-notch quality and whopping price-tags, the Danish electronics giant is a prime producer of big boys’ toys. At the store in Abu Dhabi Mall, the 55-inch BeoVision 7 TV takes centre stage. Featuring a ‘swivelling’ motorised stand and Blu-ray DVD player (which opens by waving a hand in front of it), this is a television with real charisma – the screen is even made from the same glass used to make spectacles. Matrix-style mobile phones, turning and tilting screens and music systems with built-in computers that devise personal playlists are all on offer (at eyewatering prices).
Best for: Those who like Bond, love gadgets.
Best buy: At Dhs87,655 for the 55-inch Beovision 7 TV (and that’s not including the remote, which will add another Dhs1,300 to the bill), it will leave a heavy dent on your bank balance…but you’ll never have to go to the cinema again.
Bang & Olufsen, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 0587)
Topman
What began as Topshop’s nerdy little brother now leads the way in menswear, with top designers paying close attention. Under the watchful eye of design director Gordan Richardson, Topman has been transformed over the past 10 years, from producing largely anonymous menswear to the barometer for all that is men’s fashion. Were it not for Topman, last year’s obsession with skinny jeans, checked shirts and pork pie hats would not have been as prevalent (we’re not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing).
Best for: Everyone! That’s the beauty of Topman – even those who feel they have outgrown the brand can find inspiration in their LTD collection of pared-down, sophisticated basics.
Best buy: Striped and checked casual blazers, from around Dhs425
Topman, Marina Mall (02 681 8242)
Samsonite Black Label
The world’s leading luggage manufacturer celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, but began by making robust trunks for gold-rush speculators heading for the American frontiers, and tough, durable luggage is still its speciality.
Best for: Frequent travellers who want their suitcase to survive barbaric luggage handling at the airport
Best buy: Visit Samsonite at Abu Dhabi Mall before August 7 and get 30-70 per cent off select pieces from the collection, including hard-shell cases, laptop bags and rucksacks.
Samsonite Black Label, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 6465)
Roseo Drive
With brands including Tom Ford (eyewear), Armani, A.Testoni, Façonable, Kiton, Kenzo and Lanvin, Rodeo Drive is leading the pack in the modern menswear boutique category. Fusing traditional clothing with a contemporary international sensibility, the store in Marina Mall also offers the services of an Ermenegildo Zegna tailor twice a year to kit gents out in bespoke threads. For Dhabi’s flashiest dressers, it’s a one-stop fashion shop.
Best for: Splashing out on some smart suits.
Best buy: Stefano Ricci Ostrich leather loafers, a mere Dhs9,600.
Rodeo Drive, Marina Mall (02 681 4994), Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 626 4800) and Emirates Palace (02 681 2300)
Mont Blanc
For most of us, a pen is just a pen – any old biro will do. But for others who see their choice of writing instrument as a reflection of their style (or more likely, their status), there’s only one place to go. German company Montblanc has been manufacturing posh pens (and now leather accessories, watches, cufflinks, sunglasses and even fragrances) since 1906.
Best for: Those with desk-based jobs who want to look the business.
Best buy: If you’ve money to burn, invest in the special edition Montblanc Flag Pen (exclusive to the UAE), for a whopping Dhs200,000. A classic, signature-style pen will cost around Dhs3,770.
Montblanc, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4765) and Marina Mall (02 645 4765)
