Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The kingdom’s trendsetters flocked to Bahrain’s upmarket fashion hub Moda Mall to attend the unveiling of Chopard’s long-awaited new-style boutique.
The company boasts more than 130 stores worldwide in locations such as Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and London but there is nothing quite like the island’s outlet which has finally opened following a roller-coaster of challenges from global downturns to civil unrest.
Chopard’s new concept boutique was opened by its co-president Caroline Scheufele and the Royal Family’s Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.
Mrs Scheufele said: “We are very excited about this launch as we started planning it over seven years ago. Finally we are open and we have managed to launch the new Chopard boutique concept – the first of its kind in the Middle East.
“Chopard is for the very modern and active woman of today. Our watches and jewellery can be worn for any occasion and at any time of day.”
She added that the company have been working with Bahrain Jewellery Centre for more than 30 years and was a well established and loved brand in the kingdom. Its new look outlet attracted scores of fashion-conscious women and VIPs anxious to admire the latest collections alongside a range of accessories including leather bags, pens, sunglasses, cufflinks, silk scarves and much more.
The shop boasts an upper VIP floor and has been designed by renowned French architect Thierry Despont who re-interpreted Chopard’s traditional look in a more contemporary style.
After the ribbon-cutting, the ladies enjoyed a fashion show with models ‘dressed-to-impress’ in Mrs Scheufele’s collection of gowns as well as Chopard’s beautiful array of jewels and watches. A harpist in a bubble serenaded the attendees throughout the show.
Invited guest Ebtisam Abdulazziz, from Budaiya, said: “Chopard is elegant and beautiful. It is wonderful to see boutiques such as this opening here because we really do want more international brands in the kingdom.
“Why shop elsewhere when we can find everything we wish for in Bahrain? This gives our economy a boost as well.
“In terms of the collection, I think the bags are absolutely beautiful ... and don’t get me started on the jewellery as there is nothing like it. The quality is fantastic.”
Prices vary depending on design. Watches were priced from BD3,000, necklaces sparkled at BD17,000 and leather bags could be snatched up for around BD400.
