THE Milan-based fashion major Harmont & Blaine opened a boutique at The Pearl-Qatar yesterday, the first in the country.
The Italian firm specialises in men’s casual wear and its concept store is located on the boardwalk of The Pearl-Qatar’s Porto Arabia.
Company chairman Domenico Menniti said Qatar and the Middle East region were at the centre of Harmont & Blaine’s expansion plan.
“We decided to enter Qatar because it is one of the most solid and growing economies in the region. It was essential to have a powerful partner to realise our objectives in Qatar and we found that in United Fashion Company, a UDC subsidiary,” Menniti said.
“When you think of The Pearl-Qatar, you tend to automatically think of a lifestyle that perfectly fits our ideal customer. We find that Porto Arabia with its Mediterranean atmosphere in a Middle East setting is something which gives meaning to the lifestyle we aspire to,” the Harmont & Blaine chairman said.
He said Harmont & Blaine and UFC have signed an “exclusive” agreement for the development of the Italian fashion brand in Qatar, planning a strong expansion in the Middle East region.
The company has already tied up with the Italy-based fashion agency Marcalec to penetrate the Middle East market. This will lead to the creation of a chain of “exclusive monobrand boutiques in prestigious shopping destinations in the Gulf and selective supply of leading specialty stores” in the entire region.
“We expect to derive an income of 15mn euros from the Middle East by 2010. With the expected growth in tourism in the region we look forward to growing our business further,” Menniti said.
Founded in 1995, Harmont & Blaine has boutiques in some 50 countries around the world. In the Gulf region, it has boutiques in Kuwait and Dubai.
UFC general manager Malik Awan said: “We are opening stores for all age groups, tastes and lifestyles. This is part of our philosophy - the best fashion mix for everyone. With the recent opening of Gianfranco Ferre for unisex and Stefano Ricci for the smart gentleman, Harmont & Blaine widens the choice as promised by UFC.”
United Fashion Company, a wholly-owned UDC subsidiary, has already secured “exclusive relationships” with leading names in the fashion industry including Gianfranco Ferre, Christian Lacroix, Missoni, Stefano Ricci and Domenico Vacca besides Harmont & Blaine.
“Significant opportunities for further expansion await us in 2009,” he said.
Spanish Jet Ski record holder Alvaro de Marichalar, who was flown in to Doha for the boutique opening by Harmont & Blaine, performed at The Pearl-Qatar yesterday.
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