With meticulous attention to detail and sumptuous fabrics and accessories, haute couture clothing can really be considered pieces of art. Peter Richweisz and Shub Qureshi, the pair who set up Desert Fish Photography Studios in Dubai, are well aware of this fact and tomorrow night, they are set to open The Cartel, a gallery-cum-boutique where high-end fashion items will be displayed and sold. Described as “a wearable art gallery”, The Cartel, on Alserkal Avenue, will feature 30 designers from the UAE and abroad in a curated show for a permanent exhibition of avant-garde clothing. Although it has been open informally since late last year, the official launch will feature pieces from designers such as Cunnington & Sanderson and Aptform for Michael Gkinis, both of which are being increasingly acknowledged on the international scene for their forward-looking designs. Qureshi says it is an idea that the pair have been considering for some time. “The Cartel will bring cutting-edge designers from around the world to the UAE as it becomes internationally recognised as one of the top consumer markets in the world. “Right now, we believe there is a gap in here between high street and high end, to cater to the avant-garde individualists and this is where our collections come in.” <strong>• The Cartel opens tomorrow at 7.30pm at the showroom on Alserkal Avenue</strong> <strong><a href="mailto:aseaman@thenational.ae">aseaman@thenational.ae</a></strong> Follow us
