By Mai Al Khatib-Camille
Rosa Clar‡, the renowned bridal couture boutique from Barcelona, has launched its first Middle East outlet in Bahrain.
Located in Budaiaya, Rosa Clar‡ offers brides-to-be and trendsetters an assortment of gowns and elegant cocktail dresses created by celebrated designers including Christian Lacroix and Jesœs del Pozo.
The luxurious brand name was brought to the kingdom by the Jawad Business Group (JBG) with the aim of creating an alternative modern outlook on wedding and social function attire.
Faisal Jawad, chairman and chief executive officer of JBG, said: "It is such a pleasure to introduce a truly unique brand like Rosa Clar‡ to the Middle East.
"We are sure that it will be a great success in Bahrain and we hope the ladies enjoy the experience here."
The official inauguration was celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony presided over by Fatima and Sabah Jawad, both members of the board of directors of JBG, along with Judith Faisal Jawad and Elena Teindas, the retail commercial and marketing director of Rosa Clar‡.
Fatima said: "We chose to carry their brand in Bahrain because of their chic and stylish designs for weddings, parties and events. The quality and elegance speaks for itself.
"We needed such a bridal line in Bahrain and JBG thought Rosa Clara was the one! They have such a variety of designs and the kingdom really does need a boutique such as this. They are specialists in their field."
Rosa Clar‡ was launched in 1994 in Barcelona to fill a niche market for women seeking quality designer gowns for their wedding day. It now operates more than 65 boutiques, located largely in Spain and in European capitals and has more than 1,000 points of sale worldwide.
In 2003 it successfully debuted at Barcelona Bridal Week. Fashion critics describe the collections as harmonious, modern and balanced, avoiding excesses, in which the fabric and its quality have essential importance.
Elena Teindas travelled from Spain for the opening and was delighted about the brand's venture into the Middle-East market. She said: "The designer, Rosa Clara, created her looks to suit the elegant bride. This bride cares about the quality of her fabric and is more on the minimalist side rather than the excessive when it comes to designs.
"This shop not only carries Rosa Clara but also another line known as Two by Rosa Clara. Honestly, there is a style for every bride here.
"Bahrain is an amazing country and has a European mentality but also maintains its traditions. I am sure this shop and style will be successful in the kingdom and will make an impact."
The outlet is open for all from a blushing bride to a sassy businesswoman looking to make an impression at a fancy soirŽe.
Rosa Clara brand manager Jannat Jawad added: "We offer brides an experience and personal consultation by appointment. We listen to her wants and aid her in choosing the ultimate gown for her shape. Our staff members are trained to cater to every female and understand what is suitable for them.
"The sample dresses are available in the store and once a design has been chosen it usually takes eight to 17 weeks to arrive in Bahrain. We do fittings and alterations to the Rosa Clara designs such as the train for the gown or the fitting. For our Two Collection the designs remain the same but we can do size alterations."
More than 50 fans attended the opening and all had raving reviews on the dresses. Kawkab Almoayed, from Riffa, said: "The dresses are really lovely and suitable for all tastes. There is something here for everyone, not just for brides. I find them elegant and can be worn for weddings and events."
Rosa Clara wedding dresses start from BD2,000 and the Two Collection starts from BD800.