The Style Oasis. Comptoir 102/Dubai

Comptoir 102 / DUBAI

THE STYLE OASIS Anyone who associates Dubai with the display of wealth and loads of bling has not yet visited Comptoir 102. This style oasis, which also features a “clean eating” restaurant, is the concept store vision of two women born in France.

Since its foundation in 2012, Comptoir 102 has received countless awards from the likes of Vogue France, Harper’s Bazaar, and pretty much every renowned travel guide. It has been named the best concept store, the best interior design store, and the best café – the laurels are as abundant as they are justified. When Emma Sawko, the mastermind behind Comptoir 102, relocated to the Middle East, she quickly realised that Dubai would appreciate a European-style store in keeping with her vision. It’s a mix of fashion, interior design, beauty products, and a trend-setting café. The latter is fully committed to the “clean eating” trend. After all, Emma Sawko is also the founder of Wild & The Moon, a restaurant and catering firm that is making waves in Paris. Organic, healthy, and sugar-free – it’s no wonder that people queue up during Fashion Week. Alongside the buzzwords of the “clean eating” movement – such as superfood, raw food, gluten-free, and sugar-free – the restaurant’s cuisine is characterised by regionality and gentle processing techniques. The latter include fermentation, curing, and simmering. The Organic Grocery also offers food, teas, and kitchen accessories to take away.

LA PARISIENNE The success and international recognition of both Comptoir 102 and Wild & The Moon has taught Emma Sawko to delegate intelligently. She has, for example, invited a friend into the management of Comptoir 102. Mathilde Danglade remains on-location in Dubai, while Emma Sawko commutes between Paris and Dubai. In addition to the extremely complex (and intensively researched) buying process, the two businesswomen have also committed themselves to two internal projects: an interior collection and a jewellery line in keeping with the concept store’s spirit and sense of style. Both are now available in an online shop alongside most of the store’s range. “With Dubai often being a stopover for tourists and a transient place for its many expats, it was only natural to bring Comptoir 102 closer to those who visited the store in Dubai and discerning shoppers across the globe! Fans worldwide can now purchase a selection of stylish pieces of jewellery, fashion, and home accessories – whenever and from wherever.”

Comptoir 102

102 Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai/UAE Opening: 2012 Owner: Emma Sawko Beauty brands: Aesop, Grown Alchemist, Davines, Noto Botanics, Odacité Skincare, Rahua, Root Science Interior brands: Astier de Villatte, Caravane, Gubi, Henry Dean, Honoré, India Mahdavi, John Derian, Madama, Maison de Vacances, Nada Debs, Paola Navone, Piet Hein Eek, Stoltz, Tsé & Tsé Fashion brands: Albertine, Ernest Leoty, Nili Lotan, R13, The Nice Fleet

The contrast couldn’t be greater: Comptoir 102 brings European style to Dubai.