Dubai, a city synonymous with luxury, is a magnet for the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. These brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage with the city’s fashion-forward residents and tourists. And what better occasion to indulge in a fashion frenzy than “Met Monday”? This annual event, held on the first Monday of May at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala fundraiser, sets the global fashion tone for the year.
This year, to celebrate “Met Monday” in Dubai style, we’ve curated a list of the hottest fashion pop-ups currently captivating the city. These immersive experiences offer not just a chance to witness the latest trends, but also the opportunity to capture envy-inducing photos for your social media feeds. Most excitingly, many of these pop-ups feature on-site shops, allowing you to take a piece of the fashion magic home with you.
Poolside Paradise with a Fashion Designer Twist:
- Dolce & Gabbana at Atlantis The Royal: Prepare to be dazzled by the ultimate poolside transformation at Cloud 22. Thanks to a collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Ounass, the space boasts a vibrant makeover featuring the brand’s signature majolica print adorning daybeds, floaties, walls, and even umbrellas. While soaking up the sun in this stylish haven, indulge in a specially curated poolside menu. Can’t resist taking a piece of the magic home? Head to the pop-up store located on the Galleria Level. (Prices start from Dhs450 per person. Open daily from 10am to 7pm until June 2024. @atlantistheroyal, 04 46 2700)
- Dior at Nammos: Calling all Dior devotees! This exclusive collaboration sees the iconic French fashion house take over Dubai’s trendy beach club, Nammos. Signature Dior prints adorn everything from buggies and daybeds to parasols, creating an undeniably stylish ambiance. And for those seeking a souvenir, a pop-up store within the club allows you to indulge in some retail therapy. (Sunbed rentals start from Dhs300. Open until summer 2024. Nammos Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. @nammos.dubai, 058 121 0000)
Beachside Chic Meets Italian Flair:
- Ferragamo at Bungalo34: Escape to a world of summery vibes at the Ferragamo x Bungalo34 pop-up. This beachside haven seamlessly blends Italian fashion with delectable cuisine. While admiring Ferragamo’s latest collection, savor delicious and authentic Italian dishes served up by Bungalo34. This ultra-glam experience allows you to sip on aperitivos throughout the day, indulge in 13 new Italian dishes inspired by Ferragamo family recipes, and celebrate the brand’s timeless style under the Dubai sun. (Open daily until May 14. Pearl Jumeira Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai. bungalo34.com, 04 238 1780)
A Touch of Urban Cool:
- Les Benjamins at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi: For those with a penchant for urban streetwear, a visit to the Les Benjamins pop-up is a must. This uber-cool Istanbul luxury brand has taken over a corner of Ginger Moon, showcasing a collection of resort wear inspired by coastal elegance. Expect printed shirts, vibrant T-shirts, stylish swimwear, trendy sunglasses, and statement caps – perfect for weekend lounging, poolside posing, or comfortable in-flight attire. (Open daily. Ginger Moon, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. www.marriott.com, 04 350 9999)
Augmented Reality Meets Luxury:
- Louis Vuitton AR Pop-Up at Atlantis The Royal: Prepare to be wowed by a unique augmented reality (AR) experience courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Atlantis The Royal. Six whimsical Vivienne mascot figures are strategically placed throughout the resort. Simply point your camera at the QR code located next to each 10-meter tall figurine and witness a captivating AR display. These playful characters depict Vivienne enjoying the ultimate vacation experience at the resort. Explore each statue to unlock different parts of the story. To further celebrate the resort’s first birthday, Louis Vuitton and Atlantis The Royal have also collaborated on a limited-edition collection of 18 trunk stickers, with guests receiving one collectable sticker for each night’s stay until May 31st. (Open daily until the end of May. @atlantistheroyal,