What if you were told that there is a 30 thousand square meters place entirely dedicated to shoes, would you think it a fairy tale? Not at all, I can assure you this place is 100 % real and it is located inside the world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, in the financial capital of the United Arabic Emirates. I’m talking about the Level Shoe District, created in 2012 from the Chalhoub Group, the luxury group of the Middle East,
and designed by the London’s Shed agency architects in collaboration with the art and design group UVA (United Visual Artists).
With its 30 thousand square meters, Level Shoe District is the world’s largest shoes department store. 40 stores and more than 250 brands can be discovered by visitors along a path that includes for multibrand departments: Women’s Designers, Women’s Contemporary, Men’s and Trend, each department with its own personality, its own design and its own vibes. Something really breath-taking.
And that’s only the beginning. Level Shoe District, or “the Temple of luxury in Dubai”, as it was called by the famous Italian shoe-designer Francesco Russo, offers an incredible choice between 15 thousands of different models of shoes but above all a unique and unforgettable shopping experience. From the expertise of personal shoppers who advise you in the Style Suite to the Vogue Café for a “gourmet-chic” break, all the while being assisted by the Conciergerie team, everything, including car shopping, is studied to awaken your senses and the minds behind this concept are perfectly aware of it. Another must during your visit is the Margaret Dabbs Sole Lounge, the first international one outside London. The celebrities’ foot expert Margaret Dabbs has opened her centre in Level in order to offer to each customer of the department store high-quality foot treatments, from massages to nail varnishing, thanks to the expertise of her professional podiatrists and nail technicians.
After hours while trying pairs of stilettos, what better way to getting pampered?
A special mention is obviously needed for the Bridal Suite, real temple dedicated to the brides-to-be. Designed by Zainab Alsalih, the most famous wedding planner of the Emirates, this place would enchant any bride-to-be: with its softened lights, its off-white satin sofa and of course its shoes’ models created exclusively for Level from designers such as Gianvito Rossi, Rupert Sanderson and Sophia Webster, who wouldn’t find his happiness?
Last note: the masterpiece of Nicholas Kirkwood, a pair of sandals displayed under a glass bell, called “Arabian Pearl Kaleidoscope sandal”, strewn with 600 Arabian pearls.
If you wish to try the last models of Manolo Blanhik’s pumps or to see the Sarah Jessica Parker’s exclusive collection or if you dream to live a day like Cinderella, destination Level Shoe District in Dubai: welcome to the shoes’ paradise!
