An entire boutique dedicated to avant-garde fashion? Probably something that would only fly in Dubai, and we’re loving the fact that we now have one here. The cARTel, the city’s first curated art gallery, has opened its doors to art and fashion lovers alike on the up and coming Al Serkal avenue.

Fashion exhibition concept “Vibrance” is set to return for its 8th edition on 9 March at the Origami Ballroom, Radisson Royal Hotel in Dubai from 10am to 8pm. Promising to present the newest spring collections from local and international designers, the upcoming “Vibrance Spring Fling” will offer shoppers the opportunity to shop exclusive collections for one day only.

Online luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter.com has added another must-have label to its list of designers with the arrival of Vika Gazinskaya’s avant-garde Spring/Summer 2013 creations.

Lanvin announces the opening of its new boutique in the Avenues Mall in Kuwait. The boutique presents the new concept of Lanvin stores under the artistic direction of Alber Elbaz. It will also offer to customers both the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories collection.

Tired of seeing so many Speedy 30s and Neverfulls on the streets of Dubai? Don’t despair, because we’ve scoured the handbag market for a worthy alternative for those who want to stand out in a sea of screaming designer logos. The Lucrezia bag is Riccardo Tisci’s new interpretation of a day bag. It comes as a synthesis of all Givenchy’s signature elements: a pure and architectural structure contrasting a sophisticated femininity.

You already know the theme that’s we’re going with this Valentine’s Day – anything that falls anywhere between the red spectrum, or imbibed with that sought-after romantic feminine style gets to make it onto our huge list of V-Day shopping recommendations. First up, Carolina Herrera’s luxe offerings for him and her.

COS (Collection of Style), the slightly more upmarket brand in the H&M Group’s umbrella of fashion brands, is set to expand its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first store in Dubai this coming Spring 2013, following the label’s successful entry in Kuwait at The Avenues.

Well, “on the cheap” might be a bit of an exaggeration, but pre-owned e-commerce newcomer TheLuxuryCloset.com offers a selection of pre-loved designer handbags at a fraction of the cost, a much more viable alternative to splurging on brand-new purses.

Excited for the Dubai Shopping Festival starting this Thursday? Here’s a killer deal to start DSF on the right note – Rivoli has announced its half-back offer from January 3 to February 3, where shoppers can get 50% of their purchases back in vouchers from any store under the Rivoli umbrella – Rivoli Prestige, Rivoli Arcade, Hour Choice and Eyezone.

Boxing Day saw Harrods celebrate its world-famous Sale opening with a gymnastic, dance and musical extravaganza. The extremely talented Cirque du Soleil performers took to the stage ahead of the 10am opening and treated the crowds to a unique spectacle.