In a world jammed with all the glitz and glam of fashion weeks, starting with New York and sailing all the way to Paris, and where multibrand stores are like national passports (Harvey Nichols of London, Saks Fifth Avenue of New York and Galleries Lafayette of Paris), there is a gem of a place that is making its own path in a place not typically celebrated for its fashion. Like a rough diamond shining in the middle of the desert, is the cult hit store DNA, a unique and splendid place in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
DNA is a multibrand store, created and owned by Princess Deena Abdulaziz. Renowned for her exceptional sense of style, Deena handpicks the pieces for her store herself, including fragrances, artwork and clothing of course.
The store first opened its doors four years ago, in October 2006. It is a one-of-a-kind multibrand store that satisfies every girl's desires with items ranging from the mainstream to the extraordinary.
You might ask yourself if it's an art gallery or a clothing store. Well, it’s both. With beautiful art pieces scattered on and around the two-story shop's walls, DNA is also home to clothing, footwear, beauty, water and even candy!
A large number of illustrious brands are housed in the museum-like store, including Alexis Mabille, Azzedine Alaia, Brian Atwood, Erin Fetherston, Erdem, Georgina Goodman, Goyard, Halston, Marios Schwab, Reem Acra, Rodarte, The Row, Vionnet and many more, line the store.
DNA also carries the works of one of the most talented perfumers in the world, Fredric Malle. Try the "Musc Ravageur", an Oriental perfume with notes of bergamot and cinnamon, and with a back kick of vanilla, amber and musk.
If you feel like trying something new, take a sip of Sei Water with its minimal chic yet artistic bottle. You can also pamper your hair with some Rahua "Amazon Beauty" products, such as their shampoo and conditioner for bouncy healthy hair.
Round up your shopping trip with a couple of Assouline coffee table books, and then call it a day with a cup of coffee at "The Lounge", a mirrored wall room with green chairs.
The Lounge is where customers can relax within retro glam surroundings in a modern setting. Inspired by the Beverly Hills Hotel "and all the glamour of the 1950’s and 60’s, Palm Springs and Rat Pack’s vibe”, the lounge is also a café of sorts, and can be booked for private parties, gatherings and trunk shows. Even more interesting, is that the place is also a small library for books, magazines and even board games.
Exclusive to Khaleejesque, DNA has given us the scoop on a very hot collaboration. The fabulous shoe designer Georgina Goodman has designed a clog shoe exclusively for DNA. "Molly" the name of the clog, comes in DNA’s red signature color along with a bow on the side, for an added feminine touch.
Keep a lookout for the window display at the Georgina Goodman store in Bond Street, London. The store's vitrine will be dedicated to DNA with the words "WE LOVE DNA" displayed in both Arabic and English, along with the specially designed shoe.
If you're ever in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, make sure to take a trip to DNA. It is surely a store of surprises. And it is most definitely worth the journey.
For more information visit www.dnariyadh.com or pop by the Riyadh Store: 6611 Tukassisi Street, Al Rehmania, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tel: (+966) 1 419 99 66
-Moza AlHuraiz
