In Love with DARMAKI

Sultan Al Darmaki

Me with Sultan

Last Friday I attended the launch of DARMAKI footwear at Impression Boutique at The Pearl Qatar and not only did I fall head over heels in love with the shoes (bad pun, I know), I love the shoe maestro Sultan Al Darmaki himself!

Sultan is so gracious and so sweet it's making me all the more determined to save up my riyals for a pair of his fabulous Dahab shoes from his S/S '12 collection (the red heels with the vintage brocade tassels in the picture above - yes, very lustworthy).

In the meet-and-greet event on Friday October 21st, 2011 Qatar's fashion pack flocked to Impression Boutique where they got to say hello to Sultan, ask him questions, have their photos taken with him and get their hands on his new collection! We also got scrumptious Darmaki cookies and Impression Boutique cupcakes, and a goodie bag - thanks Impression Boutique!



The shoooooes!




Amazonia




Ottoman - Dahab




Petal



Grecian - Valentina

I was also lucky enough to have my photo taken with him and squeeze a mini-interview in.

So tell me about the famous pair of shoes you designed inspired by the Emirati batoola.

Well I've never seen my grandma's face and so the inspiration came from that. I reflected that in the footwear with a western twist.

Tell me about your latest collection.

It's inspired by the late Ottoman Empire...I've used vintage gold brocade on the shoes. I always like to have a hint of history in my shoes.

Is it important to you to incorporate aspects of the Khaleeji culture in your designs?

Yes it is. While I'm here I want so spend a few days in the desert and reconnect with my roots. It keeps me grounded.

Right now you're doing footwear. Will you be expanding your label to include womenswear?

Maybe womenswear in the far future.

How important do you think shoes and bags are to women who wear the abaya?

They're so important, because for a woman who wears the abaya the shoe and the bag are her key accessories.

Many people say that Gulf women are known for their good taste in shoes and bags. Would you agree?

They have amazing taste. You can spot Middle Eastern taste immediately, it's exquisite and refined.

Thanks Sultan!

A little bit about Sultan:

The Emirati designer, who hails from Abu Dhabi, made his debut into the fashion world with his line of luxury couture shoewear in Spring 2011. His designs are manufactured by a team of highly skilled Italian craftsmen.

One of his debut designs, the shoe that is inspired by the Emirati batoola (the gold face veil worn by older women in the UAE and the Gulf) was chosen to be part of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London's permanent collection of significant footwear throughout the ages - now that's an achievement!

Sultan follows Andre Perugia's philosophy that a woman's personality is reflected through her shoes - now I wouldn't argue with that!

Find Darmaki at

Impression Boutique, The Pearl Qatar

Bullets & Butterflies, Mercato Mall, Dubai

The Luxury Emporium (online)

For more information visit the Darmaki website and don't forget to "Like" the Facebook page.

About Impression Boutique:

"Your second chance to make a first Impression" is the motto of Qatar's newest and coolest multi-brand boutique, located in Parcel 1 in the luxurious Pearl Qatar. The boutique houses edgy, modern fashion - clothes, bags and accessories - from both established and up-and-coming designers from Qatar, the region and around the world, including Mawi, House of Harlow 1960, Kara Ross, Sass & Bide and now Darmaki! And what's great about the boutique is that there are pieces for all budgets - many of which won't break the bank! I fell in love with Impression from my first visit, so it's definitely a must-visit for all Qatar dwellers and anyone on a visit to Doha.

Click here and "Like" their Facebook page.

Look out for my interview with the owners of Impression Boutique in the December issue of Glam magazine (Doha).