Fashion icon Ferragamo to design exclusive Pentominium penthouses in Dubai

• Trident International Holdings joins hands with Salvatore Ferragamo to add a touch of class to the interiors of its bespoke penthouses occupying 16 floors atop the world's tallest residential tower coming up in Dubai
• Alliance marks entry of one of the world's oldest and most respected fashion houses into the concept realty space

To be branded Salvatore Ferragamo Penthouses, these uber luxury designer residential modules, the most exclusive penthouses within the development, will occupy the premium 16 floors atop the 516 metre high Pentominium.

The bespoke penthouses were unveiled at a press conference at Raffles Dubai, in the presence of Trident CEO & Executive Director Mr. Wazir Daredia, Ferragamo CEO Mr. Michele Norsa and a host of eminent personalities and senior dignitaries.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Daredia said: "Our alliance with Salvatore Ferragamo, one of the most exclusive labels in the world of design and high fashion, will help redefine the very concept of luxury and exclusivity in the real estate space. We share a commitment to excellence and the alliance completes the bouquet of globally renowned brands we are partnering with to make our dream project, the Pentominium, the world's most exclusive and desirable residential address and a unique one-of-its-kind development that introduces a new dimension to building design."

"Ferragamo has become synonymous with men's and women's clothing and accessories over the last 80 years and its entry into building design marks a first in the realm of concept realty. The venerable high priests of design will most definitely add their trademark touch of elegance and sophistication to the penthouses they fashion," he added.

Pentominium, launched in May 2007, has established itself as a 'benchmark in luxury living' through its design and operational partnerships with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including Tiffany & Co, Swarovski, Quintessentially, Six Senses Spa, Davidoff, Bang & Olufsen, Rolls Royce, Azimut Yachts, Hirsch Bedner & Associates and Aedas. The 120-floor luxury residence, ideated by Trident and designed by AEDAS Architects, has won five CNBC Property Awards in 2007 and was also nominated for the CNBC Best International Property Award. The project is expected to be completed by 2012.

Pentominium has a total of 120 custom-designed 4-bedroom penthouses of three types: A sized at 6540 sq ft and B and C sized at 6470 sq ft. Each penthouse occupies an entire floor, with spectacular ocean views, the design giving the spatial illusion of a penthouse floating in the sky. Staggered floorplates and biometric access control enhance the feeling of privacy, with each unit having its own foyer, a separate family lounge, large formal living-dining area with spacious terraces, designer kitchen with built-in appliances and a separate maid's room.

Salvatore Ferragamo is a Florence-based design house which began as a producer of designer footwear. Known as the 'shoemaker to the stars', this luxury Italian brand has more than 300 patents to its credit, mostly for footwear, its list of patrons constituting a veritable Hollywood Hall of Fame with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Sofia Loren and Nicole Kidman.

In the 80 years since its founding, the Italian maison has graduated into a designer of luxury goods, with a presence in every fashion category, from men's and women's ready-to-wear clothing to accessories like shoes, bags, fragrances, beauty products et al. Today, it has more than 450 stand-alone stores as well as shop-in-shops in over 55 countries across the world.

Ferragamo will add a touch of classic elegance and timeless sophistication to the interiors of the Pentominium penthouses, the motif being the Hollywood glamour of the '50s and '60s, conceptualised through naturally exquisite materials like veneers, skins, leather and fabric that borrow heavily from Ferragamo's luxury product designs.

For example, Ferragamo's Gancino bag is the inspiration and focal point for the living-dining room, its design being interpreted in woven metal mesh to adorn the wall and doors, and juxtaposed with Macassar ebony accents in key areas. The room has a modern feel that is functional and comfortable. Sleek Ferragamo inspired motifs also enrich the furnishings, with mirror mosaics embellishing the dining area and a mirror polished chrome console serving as a bar.

The master bedroom is influenced by Travel, with well-tailored signature furniture, natural woven materials and sophisticated detailing. Lush fabrics make it a stylish, personal retreat, with wall-to-wall wool and silk carpeting. Ferragamo's Raffia bags and travel accessories are the design base for the Raffia covering of the feature wall, which is fashioned with bands of dark stitched leather. An ottoman dressed in snakeskin embossed leather also adorns the landscape of the room.

The family room has a comfortable seating area fashioned with intricate dark timber and a polished chrome book display and media unit, with natural light flooding in. Here again, the curved wall follows the outline of a Ferragamo wedge heel and is lined with a soft wall covering featuring a collection of prints.

Even the bathroom hasn't escaped the designer's eye, becoming an indoor space that feels like outdoors. Lined in taupe limestone, it incorporates seating and a freestanding stone carved tub by the window that offers magnificent views of Dubai. And the final touch - the round carved wooden bath stool is inspired by a 10" heel of a Ferragamo sandal!