s ohWcase anTiques,
arT & fraMes a quenTi S
Map p218 (Villa 679, Jumeirah rd, umm Suqeim)
Browse this three-storey Jumeirah villa for
antique khanjars, firearms, Arabian coffee
pots, Bedouin jewellery and costumes. It’s
one of few places in Dubai to carry quality
collectables and antiques, with certificates
of authenticity to back them up. It’s across
from Dubai Municipality Building, near
the corner of Al-Manara St.Garderobe Vin TaGe FaShion
Map p218 (www.garderobevintage.com; Jumeirah
rd, Jumeirah 3) This is the place to come to
snag a one-off vintage item at an affordable
price. The secondhand designerwear and
accessories are in tip-top condition and
typically include items by Chanel, Hermes,
Alexander Wang and Gucci. It’s a concept
that has proved a big hit here, particularly
among the expatriate community.h use of o prose b oko S
Map p218 (Jumeirah plaza, Jumeirah rd, Ju-
meirah 1; h9am-8pm Sat-Thu, 5-8pm Fri) This
comfortably worn-round-the-edges book-
store overflows with secondhand English-
language books, from classic literature
to obscure biographies and travel guides.
After you’ve read your book, you can bring
it back for 50% credit towards your next
purchase. There’s another branch in Ibn
Battuta Mall.b ue l cacTus Fa ionSh
Map p218 (Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah rd, Ju-
meirah 1; h10am-9pm Sat-Thu, 4.30-9pm Fri)
The buyer at this upstairs boutique is
from Mexico, hence the Frida Kahlo em-
phasis in the decor and brilliant colours
and patterns in the fashions and acces-sories. There are sleek long dresses, sassy
separates and some Ascot-worthy hats, as
well as a cool collection of Mexican silver
jewellery.f eur l T Fa ionSh
Map p218 (www.mercatoshoppingmall.com;
Mercato Mall, Jumeirah rd, Jumeirah 1) This
small boutique keeps trend-hungry stylis-
tas looking good in funky-smart fash-
ions 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. If you’re into classic design,
go elsewhere.l couuXe Ture Fa ionSh
Map p218 (Souq Madinat Jumeirah, al-Sufouh rd,
al-Sufouh) Alejandra Tokoph-Cox is a Dubai
style-maker who often travels to New York
to ferret out the latest design trends and
import them to Dubai. Her sleek boutiques
stock all the hot labels you see on Lindsay,
Cameron and Paris, including NYC, Yumi
Kim, Shoshana and Tracy Watts, plus jew-
ellery by Dogeared and Nadri. Find the
boutique next to Segreto Italian restau-
rant.a & rTs crafTs Gi TSF
Map p218 (www.mercatoshoppingmall.com; Mer-
cato Mall, Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah rd, Jumei-
rah 1) A great place to pick up that original
pashmina shawl or an exquisitely hand-
sequined sari or tunic. Owner Tahir im-
ports everything from India, including
quality hand-knotted rugs, intricately
carved rosewood boxes, and similar.d bai u flea MarKeT Flea MarkeT
Map p218 (www.dubai-fleamarket.com; Gate 5,
al-Wasl rd, al-Safa park; admission Dh3; h8am-p sha Mina: TellinG real froM faKeWomen around the world adore pashminas, those feather-light cashmere shawls
worn by the Middle East’s best-dressed ladies� If you’re shopping for a girlfriend or
your mother, you can never go wrong with a pashmina� They come in hundreds of
colours and styles, some beaded and embroidered, others with pompom edging –
you’ll have no trouble finding one you like� But aside from setting it alight to make
sure it doesn’t melt (as polyester does), how can you be sure it’s real? Here’s the
trick� Hold the fabric at its corner� Loop your index finger around it and squeeze hard�
Now pull the fabric through� If it’s polyester, it won’t budge� If it’s cashmere, it’ll pull
through – though the friction may give you a mild case of rope burn� Try it at home
with a thin piece of polyester before you hit the shops; then try it with cashmere�
You’ll never be fooled again�Jumeirah
Shoppin
G