Exhibitions

A Boutique Society: A multi-brand fashion store with a difference

A Boutique Society is the name of the ephemeral store founded by Yasmine Behnam in October 2009.

Each season, A Boutique Society travels to meet its customers in Beirut, Cairo and Dubai, selling women’s wear and accessories collections for only 2 to 3 days at a time; at various venues such as art galleries, cool concept stores, hotels or even beautiful gardens.

Armed with an experience of over ten years in the fields of fashion and luxury in London and Paris before landing in Dubai, Yasmine felt the need for a true multi-brand experience bringing together emerging talents and alternative labels to the fashion-savvy people of the Middle-East. Always on the look-out for new designers and sartorial inspirations from shops and street-styles, the collection mixes brands from Paris, Montreal, Poland, Athens, Istanbul, Sweden, Russia and more.

The labels are quirky and underground. Together they represent a way of dressing in a tasteful “Saint Germain-des-Pres” or “Notting Hill” sort of way. Constantly evolving, the spirit is that of a Parisian boutique with a globetrotter feel – or effortlessly stylish.

A new retail experience, shoppers become ‘regulars’ and tend to extend their visit enough to socially gather around a cup of coffee, thus earning the boutique its name. In fact, A Boutique Society is like a best friend visiting in town. Only there for a couple of days, you have to catch her before she is gone again. “If fashion is ephemeral, why shouldn’t the store be?

Special Formula:Brands on show this week in Beirut include:
– Tatiana Lebedev (Russian designer based in Paris).
– Poca&Poca (Polish brand with a modern feminine silhouette, reminiscent of Chloé).
– Anika Lena Skarstrom (Swedish designer based in Paris who does fantastic leathers)
– Marie Saint Pierre (One of the most established Canadian designers).
– Scarlet Roos (French brand with a fresh spirited fashion).
– Milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre (French brand specialized in silk scarves, amazing graphics and superb quality).