Shopping in Dubai is not for the weak of heart or to be taken lightly. The Serious Shopper comes replete with attitude and a colourful array of plastic to get her through the glaring lights of Fashion Avenue.
The Middle East shopping experience itself is magnificent, truth be told. Retail outlets are iconic: precision-cut masonry on the outside, heavy glass doors to lure you in, flattering lighting to keep you there, ornate walls to dazzle, guilded mirrors reflecting straight postures, staff respendent in scarlet liveries or silver brooches, jewellery dripping from necks. Its best to approach the store with head high, statement bag on arm, and a well-heeled foot. A wide smile breaks down barriers in an instant.
The pedigree of some brands just cannot be denied. Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon I and cousin to Emperor Napoleon III, made her first purchase from Cartier, in 1856. In 1907 Cartier was appointed as official purveyor to Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. And how can anyone forget the creation of the three-band ring and bracelet combining gold in three colours, known as Trinity. Cartier, of course.
Now I have been called in my time, variously, a Tsarina and a Princess, but when I am to embark on a Serious Shopping Expedition I can only be known as Cheshire Cat. Happy Shopping!
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