How the homegrown brands of Dubai are making it a destination for fashion and beauty

One month into 2024 everywhere we look, fashion and beauty are taking over. With New Year’s resolutions in full swing, the masses are vying to look their best. Straight from the streets of Paris where the men’s fashion week and haute couture week drew to a tantalizing finale to the new beauty brand launches popping up one after the other, we take a closer peek across the globe; at the changing fashion and beauty scape of Dubai.

The latest wave of fashion in Dubai places it as a new destination to satiate one’s style needs, one that comes with its share of city views and luxury offerings. Simultaneously a hotspot for the latest makeup trends and beauty products, Dubai is the place for all things aesthetics. Already being a sought-after tourist destination, the city of gold has many a feather in its cap, among which a rich history in gold and jewellery is one such element. However, their addition to the fashion and beauty quotient ranges more than that. With stylish silhouettes and conscious fashion to eco-friendly, holistic beauty, the homegrown brands of Dubai have cranked up the city’s offerings with a range of more conscious creations. Continuing to honour fashion and beauty trends, they take a more mindful approach shining the light on last year’s predominant moments namely, sustainability. The concept of wellness and care is at the forefront of their products.

We list some of these homegrown brands born in Dubai that have been pushing the boundaries of beauty and wellness and putting the city on the global map.

Fashion

The Giving Movement

Dubai’s homegrown activewear label, The Giving Movement makes a bid to alter the fashion market one step at a time. Taking a stance based on conscious consumerism with a motto that reads, “Small acts multiplied by many can transform the world,” the Giving Movement is all about giving back. The brand raises $4 from every sold item which they use for the livelihood of children in need. The brand burst onto the Dubai fashion scape in April 2020 and has been making waves since, investing in innovative recycled fabrics that use eco-driven materials. Cost-effective and easily accessible the brand sources supply and production locally, ensuring each aspect of the production chain is aptly renumerated. The circular brand has a range of collections across all categories ranging from menswear to kids to even curated modesty wear collections. Their designs are comfortable and well-fitting, curating a seamless experience out in the open with their multiple activewear and streetwear collections.

Bambah

Established in 2010 by Egyptian entrepreneur Maha Abdul Rasheed, Bambah is a Dubai-born fashion line that is made for the modern woman. Using luxurious fabrics to curate elegant feminine silhouettes, the brand has aimed to capture the essence of feminine beauty with a range of designs that incorporate ruffles, bows, florals, colour and everything that says girlhood in style. Imagine a fairy in a field of flowers, and viola, that’s the essence of the Bambah aesthetic. The statement pieces are not just the perfect addition to a woman’s wardrobe but also the right fit for all kinds of occasions under the sun.

E3K

E3K Jewellery was born of a simple thought process- stylish everyday jewellery that brings a touch of opulence with it. The perfect addition to high fashion ensembles, E3K’s Jewellery is the cherry on top of a good outfit. Their curated collections aim to be a stylish addition effortlessly, where the pieces can easily transition between events and outfits as the right option for all silhouettes. Born of the founder’s experimenting with gold, the pieces make a statement and are comfortable and accessible simultaneously. Lightweight and elegant, E3K’s offerings have been a subtle addition to the jewellery history of Dubai, making for a fashionable choice for the modern woman. The brand looks forward to expanding its horizons and bringing its sought-after designs to the Indian market soon.

LC

Women’s luxury athleisure lifestyle brand LC has been on a steady rise since its inception by Lyndsay Doran almost 5 years ago. With 5 retail locations across the UAE and an international customer base, the Dubai-born brand has curated a premium space with its products. The brain aims to create premium everyday products that also let patrons look and feel good. The homegrown brand produces active loungewear collections in Portugal and Thailand to deliver immaculate fits and high-quality clothes for women.

Beauty:

Skin Story 

Founded in November 2021 by two visionary sisters, Skin Story epitomizes the ethos of sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency in an industry often clouded by ambiguity. It tells the story of a modern woman who struggles to find makeup that “fits in”. With Skin Story, a brand that is pigment-sensitive and clean; the narrative has changed. Promoting skincare-loving ingredients in makeup that are free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and talc the brand offers beauty with wellness under the tag of clean beauty. From their multi-stick to carbon black-free mascara, each product is meticulously crafted with non-toxic ingredients, including avocado oil, castor oil, and moringa oil. With their breakthrough product, the multistick has revolutionized the beauty routine for Dubai’s fashion-forward crowd. The innovative brand pushes boundaries and continues to garner love on the global front including the Indian market. Not only do they cater to all skin tones and genders, but Skin Story embodies the brand’s mantra of “by real people, for real people.”

Apothecary By Mamta

Founded in 2016 by Mamta Nihalani, Apothecary By Mamta’s journey began with a simple yet powerful vision that is to harness the healing power of nature to address common skincare concerns. From hair loss to acne and chronic dryness, Mamta’s specially curated range offers effective remedies without compromising on safety or efficacy. Taking a step away from chemicals, each product undergoes rigorous experimentation to ensure optimal and holistic results. Utilising natural ingredients and aromatherapy blends to soothe the senses and rejuvenate skin. Apothecary By Mamta’s offers the dual benefits of skincare and wellness with their non-toxic approach. As Dubai’s beauty landscape evolves, Apothecary By Mamta continues to pave the way for a more sustainable and holistic approach to beauty.

Hero image: Courtesy The Giving Movement; Feature image: Courtesy E3K