Festival Colbert unveils Dream Objects at The Dubai Mall

The exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, in the presence of H. E. Alain Azouaou, French Ambassador to the UAE; Françoise Montenay, Chairperson of Comité Colbert; and CEOs of 20 French luxury brands. The exhibition was open to public viewing from October 29 to November 7, 2010 at the Grand Atrium, the Fashion Avenue and the Fashion Catwalk at The Dubai Mall.

Festival Colbert is conceived as a journey into the imaginative world of French Luxury. Participants of the Festival present all facets of French art de vivre in jewellery, fragrances, crystal, leather goods, decoration, hospitality and gastronomy, faience and porcelain, silver and bronze, haute couture and fashion design - the best of French luxury. The journey runs through a special path past the stores of Colbert members and through the public areas of The Dubai Mall. The outstanding objects are displayed, as pieces of art telling stories about each brand. There are also range of special events and demonstrations including artisans showing their skills.

Representing a tremendously diverse group of crafts and creations that are both unique and apparitional, the Dreams Objects will be showcased in four different universes i.e. viz Dreams of refinement, Dreams of Emotions, Dreams of Pleasure and Dreams of Elegance. Items are created and brought by the prestigious French brands most of which have their flagship stores or Middle East debuts in The Dubai Mall, highlighting the high-end offering to this very fashion and luxury conscious city- Dubai.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Festival Colbert in Dubai, Elisabeth Ponsolle des Portes, President and CEO, Comité Colbert, said, "Comité Colbert members, through their well crafted products represent French culture and identity to the world. On the other hand the city of Dubai is recognized as a prime luxury destination on a global map. We are therefore honoured to bring an event of this magnitude here, at The Dubai Mall."

"Through this event, we aim to bring public awareness for the wealth of knowledge confined within the workshops of these companies and bring recognition and honour to their fine craftsmanship. We also show the unique capacity of French Luxury as storyteller to provide meaningful products to the people," she added.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting-Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said, "Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities, each community contributing to the cosmopolitan cultural outlook of the city. Their meaningful interaction and exchange is what builds a vibrant cultural outlook for Dubai. Choosing Dubai for Festival Colbert is a natural choice, given the multicultural character of the city. The festival will serve as a strategic platform to further encourage the local artist community here to appreciate and learn more about French culture and art trends."

Mr Nasser Rafi, CEO, Emaar Malls Group, said, "The Dubai Mall is committed to delivering the best retail experiences to our visitors and assuring that they are aligned with the latest global trends in fashion and modern lifestyles. Festival Colbert will be a one of its kind experience for our visitors as it showcases the finest in French luxury."

The Dubai Mall is regarded as the fashion trend-setter in the region and the partnership highlights the premier position of the mall as the destination for high-end fashion and cultural events.

The Middle East constitutes a promising market for French luxury. In all of the Middle Eastern countries, the number of projects undertaken by Colbert companies is on the rise; Festival Colbert is a celebration of their commitment to the region and an initiation to French Art de Vivre, with The Dubai Mall partnering to bring the prestigious event for the first time in the region.