Café Pouchkine expands its presence in Qatar with new outlet at Place Vendome

Café Pouchkine, renowned for being one of Qatar’s popular luxury dining locations with a unique Russian heritage, opened its second outlet at the glamorous Place Vendome Mall in Lusail City. Hosted by Ali Bin Ali Hospitality in Qatar, the café opened its doors to the public on the 5th of January, 2023.

Stationed right at the heart of Place Vendome, Cafe Pouchkine is located on the ground floor of the mall’s south side. The café sits right under the glass dome of the Parisian-inspired structure and blends seamlessly into the architecture, which radiates luxury and extravagance while conveying a touch of cultural and artistic feel. The interiors of the café are equally elegant with the all-white décor. The intimately carved woodwork creates a modern yet classic look that quintessentially describes Café Pouchkine.

Already known as one of the best tea-rooms in Qatar, Café Pouchkine offers a wide range of gastronomical delights. From a snack menu that includes surprising club sandwiches to the timeless café de Paris streak, via delicious Blini – or lunch “à la carte” with crispy dusk salad, or a beef Stroganoff, the cafe promises to take taste buds on an international voyage of discovery. Enjoy a dreamy afternoon with their signature tea and coffee accompanied with a crowd-pleasing section of desserts, including honey cake and macrons.

Commenting on the launch of the new café, General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Hospitality Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar said, “Ali Bin Ali Hospitality is always looking to elevate the hospitality experience for the people of Qatar, and the opening of the new Café Pouchkine outlet is part of that mission. Place Vendome, with its touch of cultural and artistic feel, made it the perfect pairing for us as a location to house Café Pouchkine. The entire team at Café Pouchkine is ready now to serve guests in a new and exciting location, while remaining true to the superior dining experience we have been known to deliver, time and time again.”

Since the brand opened its first café in 2019 at 21 High st as the country’s only restaurant, tea-room and patisserie with an authentic origin hailing from Moscow, Café Pouchkine has continued to rise in popularity among locals and residents in Qatar, who seek unique, high-end experiences.

 

Ali Bin Ali Fashion opens ELIE SAAB boutique in 21 High st, Katara Cultural Village

The ELIE SAAB universe continues its expansion with a new boutique opening in Qatar in collaboration with Ali Bin Ali Fashion. The store is located in Doha’s Katara Cultural Village at 21 High st – Qatar’s fashion hub –– facing the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha. This strategic move comes at a time when the region, and Qatar in particular, is becoming a major travel destination.

Elie Saab Jr, CEO of ELIE SAAB Group says: “Opening a Doha boutique cements our regional influence and our mission to personally cater to our diverse clientele. Qatar has quickly become a global terminus and an imperative fashion location, which is why we have strategically partnered with the country’s leading luxury fashion reference, Ali Bin Ali Fashion, with whom we have a very long-standing relationship, in order to optimize our reach as we continue to expand the ELIE SAAB universe.”

The sophisticated boutique is ready to welcome visitors and fashion aficionados to immerse in its modern and elegant atmosphere. Exquisitely designed, the store showcases the ELIE SAAB Maison line while also highlighting the brand’s signature aesthetic with soft femininity and enduring allure. Visitors are welcomed through proud Roman columns into an expansive 340sqm-interior elevated with warm wood and lavish marble. The new showroom features Ready-to-Wear collections, a dedicated kids’ area, a private bridal salon and VIP wing to cater to our varied clientele.

Regarding the new collaboration, Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender, General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Fashion, said: “We are proud that ELIE SAAB is now a part of Ali Bin Ali Fashion. This collaboration yet again allows us to support our vision of bringing the best of international fashion to Qatar. I am sure that together, ELIE SAAB and Ali Bin Ali Fashion will offer enticing designs to satisfy the refined taste of our clients.” 

 ELIE SAAB Boutique in Doha is designed to expand the brand’s presence in the region and provide a more personalized shopping experience that meets the needs of loyal clientele. With flagship stores in Paris, Beirut, New York, London and the UAE, ELIE SAAB continues to expand a vision for more meaningful connections by launching additional global boutiques in the near future.

Galeries Lafayette Doha inaugurates first-ever Ritz Paris boutique

In yet another milestone for the brand, Galeries Lafayette Doha inaugurated the first-ever Ritz Paris international boutique on October 9, 2022. It was an ideal occasion to reveal iconic objects and star products from the legendary Place Vendôme hotel, such as collectible porcelain tableware designed for the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, emblematic tulip lamps and celebrated peach-hued peignoirs.

The official inauguration was followed by a VIP event on October 18 to celebrate the launch of the boutique. The exclusive reception was hosted at the Galeries Lafayette La Suite Penthouse where the décor was enhanced with merchandise and decorative elements from Ritz Paris. Live jazz music and Ritz Paris’ signature mocktail drinks set the perfect tone for the occasion.

Present at the event were Ambassador of France to Qatar H E Jean-Baptiste Faivre, Board Member of Ritz Paris Ms. Natalie Bader, who spearheaded this project, and Head of Strategy & Operations of Galeries Lafayette Doha Ms. Al Ghalia Ali Bin Ali.

Located on the ground floor of the French Department Store, the Ritz corner shop offers a complete universe of different categories of products, expressing the style of the Ritz, its magnificence, its soul, and the symbol of the French art of living.

Complementing the boutique, a pop-up corner right at the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha has also been set up to mark the launch. Enchanting and playful, the entrance with hot air balloon baskets symbolizes the joy of travel. The pop-up will be stationed at Galeries Lafayette till October 31.

The boutique expresses all the spirit of the Ritz Paris through its architecture, colors and ambiance. It reprises the essence of the hotel’s illuminations, arcades, moldings, play of mirrors and incomparable 18th-century style with a fresh energy.

Customers are greeted in a retail environment conceived like a dining room and a dressing area, comprising six dedicated spaces: the art of entertaining, home and bath linens, fragrances, gifts and decorative objects, games and accessories, and the brand-new Frame x Ritz Paris fashion capsule collection. The boutique also offers several custom services, such as personalized embroidery — an excellent opportunity to treat others, or oneself, to a little magic of the Ritz Paris.

“More than a hotel, the Ritz Paris today is an iconic, brilliant, vibrant lifestyle that intends to shine all around the world through its products and services. This Doha boutique was designed for all those who love the Ritz Paris, but also and above all for those who dream of discovering it and sharing in a little piece of the legend and French art de vivre,” said Ms. Natalie Bader.

Speaking about the latest partnership, Ms. AlGhalia Nabeel Ali Bin Ali said, “At Galeries Lafayette Doha, we always look to collaborate with iconic and international brands to bring an exclusive experience for the people in Qatar. With the new Ritz Paris Boutique, our clients can enjoy the brand’s exclusive range of products which truly captures the essence of French ‘Art de vivre’, allowing them to experience the refinement of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.”

Popular global brand Wagamama opens third restaurant in Doha

In a memorable opening on October 16, 2022 at Doha’s Place Vendôme, Ali Bin Ali Hospitality opened its third outlet for Wagamama restaurant, one of the global brands it stewards in Qatar.

In his statement during the launch, Ali Bin Ali Hospitality Group General Manager, Mr. Bassel Salim Ammar, noted that he was thrilled about the opening of the new eatery. “Vendôme is one of Qatar’s best-known and luxurious shopping centers, and therefore a perfect choice for opening the new outlet,” he said. He added that the ambiance of the new location only adds to the allure of the restaurant and it is expected for more customers to visit.

The story of Wagamama began in early 1992 with the opening of the very first restaurant in London’s Bloomsbury, which was inspired by traditional Japanese noodle bars and Asian inspired flavors. In Qatar, the brand has captured the attention of its guests with its exciting and inclusive casual dining experience with a stylish and contemporary setting.

The new Wagamama restaurant promises unique experiences for diners as it offers exclusive menus, set-up, and ambiance, among other exquisite features that resonate with the Place Vendôme. The Place Vendôme is one of Qatar’s lavish malls that exudes grandeur and style.

The new branch reaffirms the restaurant’s continued dominance and popularity among food enthusiasts, who seek memorable experience with their most desired cuisines. The new joint will continue to reinforce Wagamama’s philosophy of a “positive eating and positing living” for all.

Ali Bin Ali Fashion opens Berluti store in Qatar

Once again bringing the finest in international fashion to Qatar, Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Fashion has inaugurated a new store for the Parisian men’s fashion house Berluti. The boutique at Place Vendome Mall was opened to the public on Friday, July 22, offering a 360-degree Berluti lifestyle experience.

Berluti, a name synonymous with style, elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship – and founded by Alessandro Berluti, is renowned for their deep understanding of the mastery of footwear, consistently producing shoes for the well-shod gentleman since its birth in 1895.

Since then, Berluti has cultivated its own unique style by bringing together audacity and elegance. Expertise in shape, leather patinas, fabric selection and precision of cut are the signatures of the ideal male wardrobe. From head to toe.

Located in the luxury section of Place Vendome near Dior and Loro Piana boutiques, Berluti organically blends with the gorgeous architecture of the destination. Like all other Berluti stores around the globe, the boutique design focuses on luxurious simplicity through exceptional materials.

With a welcoming and pristine setting of white and warm browns, the décor is inspired by the depth and variety of Berluti’s leather patina. In a subdued salon-like atmosphere, Berluti’s Club chair and furniture offering are displayed, overlooking the patina-inspired ceiling, celebrating the Maison’s lifestyle heritage and innovations.

Curated for the Qatari taste, the collection at the Place Vendome boutique will display a complete range of men’s accessories, including shoes and leather goods. The French House makes no apologies for their exceptionally luxurious goods, making the Berluti man undeniably elegant with exquisite taste.

From shoes, bags, wallets to accessories, Berluti creations are hand-assembled and customizable from the wooden last to the choice of leather and patinas.

Speaking about the latest addition to ABA Fashion’s portfolio, General Manager of ABA Fashion Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “We are very proud to be associated with such a luxurious fashion House and present the only Berluti store in Qatar. With the common vision of offering premium experience for our esteemed clients, ABA Fashion and Berluti hope to please the refined taste in fashion of the people in Qatar.”

 

Ali Bin Ali Luxury dazzles at the 18th edition of Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2022

Once again, Ali Bin Ali Luxury dazzled at the 2022 Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE). The precious journey to the heart of glamor unfolded at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from the 9th till the 14th May 2022. The show was a grand success with jewelry lovers gathering to experience the special occasion and witness an outstanding array of high-end merchandise.

The exhibition has had great importance and a special meaning for Ali Bin Ali Luxury ever since it opened its doors 18 years ago. Ali Bin Ali Luxury pavilion proudly housed niche jewellery brands from around the globe displaying their finest creations.

Exhibition-goers from around Qatar as well as international visitors who visited ABA Luxury’s pavilion had the opportunity to enjoy fine timepieces, exquisite jewelry, classical writing instruments and sophisticated accessories.

Speaking about Ali Bin Ali Luxury’s participation in the region’s biggest watches and jewelry exhibition, Chief Operating Officer of Ali Bin Ali Luxury Mr. Awn Zureikat said: “Ali Bin Ali Luxury is proud of its association with DJWE where exclusivity, art and unique craftsmanship come together to tell an unforgettable experience. Over the years, DJWE has solidified its position as one of the most important events in the region and we are proud to be a part of this success story from its inception.”

Ali Bin Ali Luxury continued to build on the success of the previous years to unveil an exquisite range of new and unique designs at this year’s fair. Apart from the old favorites, new brands like Robert Procop jewelry from USA and Purnell watches from Switzerland were featured at this year’s exhibition.

Other brands that Ali Bin Ali Luxury exhibited at this year’s event were: Arnold & Son, AS29, Audemars Piguet, Baume et Mercier, Buccellati, Cartier, Damiani, David Morris, Garrard, Gilan, Gorgoglione, Graff, Graham,  Hulchi Belluni, HYT, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lalaounis, Leo Pizzo, Marco Valente, Messika, Mikimoto, Montblanc, Panerai, Piaget, Pomellato, Prologue, Ralph Lauren, RCM, Repossi, RF Jewelry, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Schreiner, Shamballa, Stenzhorn, Ulysse Nardin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdi.

ABA Holding launches world’s largest Monoprix store at Place Vendome mall

Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Market Hall division has inaugurated world’s largest Monoprix outlet at Place Vendome in Lusail – the new home for luxury and fashion in Qatar. The renowned French retail chain’s store, which boasts of more than 35,000 high-quality goods spread across its 9,000sqm location, opened its doors to the public on Friday, April 15.

Located on the ground floor of the sprawling Place Vendome, the Monoprix store near Entrance 2 of the mall is not only convenient to find but also easily accessible for shoppers.

The new Monoprix outlet, the chain’s sixth store in Qatar, is everything you would expect from your favorite French hypermarket. Apart from the wide range of local and international brands, the store creates a variety of dedicated in-store experiences for its clientele. From restaurants, candy stores to exclusive electronics, kitchen gadgets and organic food items, Monoprix is here to modify your retail experience.

Apart from the already-popular Monoprix Fish M Fish, SaladM, MCrust, MGrill, MPizzeria and Crepe M Waffles, the new store also has MTacos, which offers the true taste of Mexican Tacos to savor authentic Mexican Street comfort foods. Prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked right in front of the guests, these restaurants have undoubtedly strike the right chord.

Speaking at the soft opening of the hypermarket at Place Vendome, Lusail, Mr. Sebastien Farhat, Monoprix’s Regional General Manager, said: “We are delighted to announce that our newest and largest outlet is now open. Responding to the demands of our loyal clientele, Monoprix is always looking forward to expand its retail footprint in Qatar and our presence at the glamorous Place Vendome is part of that mission. We want the people of Qatar to experience the extraordinary world of Monoprix and enjoy every bit of it. This is not just a hypermarket, it is a world of its own where you can shop, eat and relax.”

Monoprix Qatar is one of the most popular hypermarket chains in Qatar. The retail chain currently has six stores in Qatar: Palm Towers – West Bay, Doha Festival City, Medina Centrale at The Pearl-Qatar, Msheireb Galleria, iCONIC 2022 building in Aspire Zone and the new store at Place Vendome Mall.

Galeries Lafayette Doha launches new ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign

Reflecting the brand’s innovation and creativity, Galeries Lafayette Doha has launched the inspiring ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign. Introduced with the tagline, the ‘Line that connects us’, the campaign will continue until September 30, 2021.

The visual campaign is based on the idea of ‘Line art’ or Line drawing’ that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed against a background to represent two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects.

As the tagline suggests, the campaign revolves around the use of single line drawings and the reflection of lines that connect us. The abstract lines in our subconscious mind interact with our surroundings and acquire a more definite form to take a more concrete shape. This in a way, it designs our lives and emotions. Different variations, colors, methods, with the artist’s own specific characteristicshelp create lines around our thoughts and eventually become a line that connects us all.

In true Galeries Lafayette style, the key message of the campaign reflects in every aspect of the Department Store, integrating shopping with the wider experience of the ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign. 3D faces structures interacting with the mannequins and original painting design on accessories windows are just some elements to look out for.

Rounding up the experience, Galeries Lafayette Doha’s food and beverage outlets are offering some special-edition ‘linear-inspired’ dishes. These exclusive desserts and savory dish are simply ‘Art on a plate’.

Speaking about the campaign, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “Fashion is not just what meets the eyes, and through the ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign, we have tried to highlight the non-obvious. The linear elements in a way simplify the complex world around us and give a new perspective to fashion. It is our way of creating a connection with our clients and staff through fashion, accessories and gastronomy.”

Galeries Lafayette Doha launches pleasantly quirky ‘Art Of Fashion’ campaign

True to its unbeatable style and ‘fashion-meets-art’ image, Galeries Lafayette Doha has once again outdone itself with the recently launched ‘Art of Fashion’ campaign.

The campaign will be on from October 7 till the end of November 2020 at the Galeries Lafayette Department Store in 21 High st, Katara Cultural Village.

The ‘Art of Fashion’ campaign lets you step into a world inspired by the Memphis movement – an Italian design movement that began in 1981- known for its bold clashing colors, Art Decor geometric shapes and pop-art color-palette with a hint of 1950 kitsch aesthetic. Galeries Lafayette has very aesthetically added its own twist to the idea by introducing elements of humor and surprise, which can be found throughout our store.

The entire store manifests the pleasantly quirky elements of the campaign with irregular movements, which involve intriguing patterns. From the store windows to the masks the staff and mannequins are wearing, the space is a reflection of the creative movement.

In the true Galeries Lafayette style, the campaign allows guests to experience the theme in different forms. Interactive screens located on the second floor of the Department Store resonates the colorful campaign. Visitors can step into the life-size magazine cover box and experience the glamor of being in the spotlight.

The restaurants and cafes inside Galeries Lafayette Doha also reflect the ‘Art Of Fashion’ story in their own delectably creative way. Served on trays inspired by visuals of ‘Art of Fashion’ windows, the special edition dessert has the most exciting splash of colors inspired by the Memphis art style.

Speaking about the exciting, first-of-its-kind campaign, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha Kevin Gerard Pender said: “The ‘Art Of Fashion’ is a perfect campaign to match Galeries Lafayette’s vision of retailtainment – merging art with fashion. We have highlighted the features of the Memphis movement and intrigued our guests with the uniqueness of the art form. This experience has been woven together with our extensive A/W20 collections and exclusively created cuisines offered by our restaurants. It is a unique concept which our guests will surely enjoy.”

Galeries Lafayette Doha launches Qatari luxury Abaya brand Malachite

Celebrating the creations of yet another local talent, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Galeries Lafayette Doha has launched luxury abaya brand Malachite by Qatari designer Amna Abdulwahab. Founded in 2017 in Doha, Malachite offers elegant handmade couture abaya using the finest silk, the best Swarovski crystals and the most exquisite pearls.

The boutique was ceremoniously launched on November 21, 2019 where the guests enjoyed the first look of Malachite’s Capsule Collection created exclusively for Galeries Lafayette Doha, while sipping on some Arabic coffee. The perfectly set Arabic ambiance reflected the brand’s philosophy that luxury is an experience.

Addressing her audience, Amna Abdulwahab said: “We are glad to be a part of Galeries Lafayette Doha, especially because we share the Parisian Department Store’s vision of bringing together art and culture. This collaboration will introduce a new chapter in the world of abaya fashion. Malachite is all about empowering women as we believe that with the right abaya, you can conquer the world.”

The name Malachite means a stone of balance, abundance, manifestation and intention. It represents personal growth and abundance of spirit. The signature green color of the brand symbolizes the rich and verdant hues of nature in full bloom.

The luxury brand’s vision and interest in details is portrayed in the fine selection of accessories and embellishments and delicate designs that manifest the luxurious experience of abaya couture. Their distinguished work ensures excellence and a touch of finesse and couture in the making of abayas.