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Retail Directory 2009 

Manolo Blahnik

Dubai

A store designed to emulate ‘the barrenness of the desert’ does not bring the most exhilarating of retail environments to mind. Neutral colours may dominate at Manolo Blahnik’s flagship store in Dubai – but with a shoal of multicoloured Manolos at the disposal of the Data Nature Architects, the Blahnik effect was bound to bedazzle With Bedouin detailing from low-level cushions, hidden alcoves and floating lamps - one would be forgiven for setting up camp in store. Hand carved coral-reef-esque screens emulate the intricacy of Islamic craftwork, whilst Tom Dixon’s burnished metal lamps hang low, as if in collusion against the lofty 5m ceiling. Typically for this scorching emirate, the store is pitched in a sprawling air-conditioned mall - yet, true to form, Manolo have managed to make their space in the Burjuman Centre very much their own.

Burjuman Centre
Trade Centre Road
97.14 352 0222

www.manoloblahnik.com