Text_Anna Putman Photography_Mario K

BuffiJashanmal

Dubai’s most unconventional designer reveals her favourite haunts

“It’s called UGLY,” explains BuffiJashanmal, wearing a fluorescent tutu, a leopard print trench coat and hair that wouldn’t look amiss on The Muppet Show. “It stands for Unusual Gorgeous Lovely You,” says the designer, who recently launched her label Quiet Riot.

The 27-year-old graduate of New York’s Parsons design school is part Vivienne Westwood (she loves corsets), part Edie Sedgwick (“She’s wicked,” Buffiexclaims), with a liberal sprinkling of Beth Ditto’s rock star attitude. “I like things that are a little bit broken,” she adds.

Buffihasn’t always been a fashion expert: “My mum put me in yellow wellies, a green sweater and some Mary Quant tights for my first day of school,” she giggles. “It doesn’t get uglier than that…”

Dubai may not compete with New York when it comes to fashion boutiques, but the independent spirit is catching on. Here are the stores in Buffi’s little black book.

Quiet Riot is available at The Doll’s House, The Springs, +971 50 227 7352.

01/Chocolate and Pickles

“It’s one of the funkiest mother and baby stores I’ve ever seen. There’s even a mini flatscreen TV so the kids can watch Shrek. It also has my two favourite colours in its logo – neon green and fuchsia pink. Whether you have a teeny bump or feel like a whale, there’s something for everyone. I first spotted them at the WafiFashion Show and have loved them ever since, particularly their Mint stuff – it’s so colourful. All I need now is a kid.” WafiCity, +971 4 327 9277

02/Ginger & Lace

“Betsey Johnson, Betsey Johnson and even more Betsey Johnson! I love her stuff, it channels the same silhouettes as my designs – lots of corsets and tutus. There was this electric blue dress with a whopping great bow and hearts all over it last time I dropped in – just amazing. You should go to S*uce for cheeky and Ginger & Lace for glam. You have to see the latest collection from Josep Font. I think he’s designed clothes for Barbie. It’s so cool.” WafiCity, +971 4 324 5699

03/Dreamgirls

“Without Satwa [a district of Bur Dubai], I’d be lost and Dreamgirls is one of the best places for picking up materials, getting my trims and generally nosing about. You can get 10 butterflies for AED7 here and the polka dot materials absolutely rock. To be fair, anything with stripes, dots, glitter or butterflies and I’m there. If you like the material and have a design in mind, the people at Dreamgirls can whip it up in a second. It is an amazing find.” Satwa, +971 4 349 5445

04/S*uce

“I literally dribble when I go in S*uce. It’s delicious. There’s even the smell of washing powder pumped through the AC unit. I’d say it’s a big dressing-up box for girls, but with hefty price tags. TataNaka is the label to watch – you won’t find anyone else tottering around in it. I’m also a big fan of their Fafiart – she’s this cool Parisian graffiti artist, and check out the Jessica Kagan bangles too. One says ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius’. Brilliant.” The Village Mall, +971 4 344 7270