Inside a luxury Garderobe
In the SBC March newsletter we got to know our member Micha Maatouk who is the founder of Garderobe; A unique platform connecting owners of high fashion, authentic, luxury items with like-minded buyers. Garderobe offers users to search the region’s pre-loved fashion and acquire luxury items for less than their original price.
HEJ SBC Member!
Who is Micha Maatouk?
A diverse, multi-lingual fashion enthusiast and founder of Garderobe Boutique and I launched my company with the aim to ensure that luxury fashion is accessible to everyone.
Brought up in Sweden with Lebanese origin. Moved to Dubai from in 1999 to pursue my career in fashion and I have never looked back. Attending the world-renowned London of College of Fashion to study Fashion Buying and Merchandising, I have a vast depth of knowledge which has led to the career I have today.
I began my journey in the Fashion world as a general store manager for Zara, then went on to be an Accessories and Womenswear buyer for Harvey Nichols, a Boutique Director for Chanel and most recently the Boutique Director for Bottega Veneta. I got to travel across the globe, to many fashion capitals of the world which has given me access to the wardrobe of the ‘who’s who’ of the industry.
I then started Garderobe in Dubai, The Middle East’s number one destination for buying and selling pre-loved fashion, which connects individuals with sellers and like-minded buyers.
How do you find the UAE has been and is now reacting to a sustainable business idea?
When we first started it was challenging as this part of the world people are not used to the idea of wearing or buying used items. It has taken some time to educate the clients that it is actually a sustainable approach to luxury fashion. Once you are done wearing that bag there will be another person who has been aspiring to own a bag like that without having to pay a premium price.
What made you start Garderobe 10 years ago?
As a buyer I used to travel a lot to the fashion capitals of the world like Paris, Milan, London and NY and I realized there were no vintage concept stores in Dubai. After the recession in 2008/2009 I thought this is the perfect time to start a consignment business, were people can sell and buy pre owned luxury at affordable prices. Specially that the clients in this region spend a lot on fashion and once they are done wearing their luxury products they don’t know what to do with them.
It has also been important for me to find an expert team who has decades of experience between them, helping to ensure that each client is provided with a premium service from start, to finish.
What are some of the main challenges you find doing business in the UAE?
There is not much support from the Government for startup businesses with little funding. Plus the location rent and the license fees are very high which makes it difficult for a new business to sustain.
What accessory/accessories do you personally see lifts an outfit?
My advice is a bag, a pair of shoes and some accessories can make any classic outfit stand out and look more on trend.
Thank you very much Micha for sharing your exciting journey and your fashion tips.
Contact details:
Micha Maatook, LinkedIn
Website: http://garderobe.ae/
Email: customercare@garderobe.ae
Phone: +971 4 394 2753
Mobile: +971 50 22 45195