Abyaar and Lacroix to build Dubai residential tower

Middle East property developer Abyaar and designer Christian Lacroix on Monday announced a joint venture to build and design a residential tower in one of Dubai's most exclusive beachside suburbs.

The 38-unit, coastal Jumeirah-based tower will incorporate a Lacroix-designed facade, expansive lobby and luxury interiors, the companies said in a statement.

Although Lacroix has worked on several Paris-based boutique hotel interiors, this is the first residential offering to which the designer's trademark blend of past and future will make its mark.

Marzooq Al Rashdan, vice chairman and MD, Abyaar , said: "We approached Lacroix because he is known for his exceptional design skills and theatrical style, both on and off the catwalk.

"This is the start of a long term partnership that places Abyaar on the luxury development map internationally.

Lacroix added: "We are working on something special that will tell a Middle Eastern story. The interiors will be based on paradox - contemporary and baroque, blending East and West, old and new, inspired by history and folklore."

Lacroix will be sourcing and, in many cases, creating unique materials for the interior design, the statement added.

Among his non-catwalk pursuits, Lacroix has designed several hotels, interiors for the French chain of Gaumont cinemas; TGV trains to Strasbourg; tramway cars in Montpellier and the costumes for The Marriage of Figaro at the Aix-en-Provence festival.

Christian Lacroixis currently at the centre of a takeover bid by Ajman's Sheikh Hassan Ben Ali al-Naimi.

The UAE sheikh, who is close to the ruling family of the Ajman emirate, stepped in with an offer in September to take over the fashion house after Italian retailer Borletti withdrew its offer.