Text_Anna Putman

Essa Bhagoorwall

The Dubai-loving designer opens up his wardrobe

“Camels are great, aren’t they?” says Essa Bhagoorwall as he rifles through his “I Love Dubai” collection. “I don’t have a deep psychological affinity with them, but I dig those eyelashes,” he continues.

It’s no surprise his brightly hued wares are dotted with the humble dromedary and that the rest of his collection is smattered with palm trees, falcons and the odd Arabic coffee pot. “I tried to get dates in there, but they looked like something unpleasant,” laughs the 37-year-old Indian, who has lived in the UAE all his life, learning his trade on Satwa Street – home to generations of tailors.

Essa hasn’t always had a thirst for fashion (“I think I once did an economics degree”), but now that he’s addicted he wants his clothes to show off the real Dubai.

While he’s not dressing socialites, Essa finds solace in Dubai’s nooks and crannies. Here are his top spots:

01/Boutique 1
“I’ve become a bit lazy of late, but Boutique 1 still lures me out of bed. I get my Gucci, Dior and Alexander McQueen at the start of each season here, and then there are the endof-season sales every three months. I scooted out with some wicked Hulk Hoganesque boots just last week.” Emirates Towers, +971 4 330 4555, www.boutique1.com

02/Pull & Bear
There’s always room in my wardrobe for a pair of Pull & Bear jeans. I am yet to come across better denim and you can’t argue with the prices. They’re not in Europe, so it’s a real find for European visitors. Their range of footwear is similar to Converse and surprisingly hard wearing.” Mall of the Emirates, +971 4 341 4234, www.pullandbear.com

03/Al-Amiri Textiles
“I’ve been going to Mr Khalid for eight years now and I won’t even glance elsewhere. He sells the best materials in the area and has become a firm friend over time. He’s also fair trade and does all the simple fabrics really well. It’s quite far away, but worth going just for a cup of coffee with Mr Khalid.” Sharjah, +971 6 572 3612

04/IF Boutique
“IF Boutique is like walking into an art gallery. It’s my dream place in Dubai and I splurge every time I go. There’s Commes Des Garcons nestling among loads of unknown Japanese brands and it’s the sort of place that swallows up shopping time. Get there early in the day because it’s pretty small and gets busy. Umm Suqeim, +971 4 394 7260