Why Emirati Men Wear Hermes, Goyard and Loro Piana

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by Sana Bun

Why Emirati Men Wear Hermes, Goyard and Loro Piana

4 Mar 2024

Let's get the ball rolling with the most obvious thing: fashion trends in the UAE (and across the whole Middle East) are greatly influenced by local culture. Traditional values, religious customs, and climate shape clothing styles, colour palettes, and accessory choices. Modesty is key, but while applying limitations, it still leaves women some space for self-expression — unlike men wearing traditional attire.

Gentlemen’s options are quite limited to commonly white Kanduras and Ghutra headscarves held with a black cord of Agal. The only things that can complement the look are shoes and small accessories, and here, the leaders are incontestable. From the bustling streets of Dubai to the cultural epicentre of Riyadh, you can see men staying loyal to luxury brands (generally three European ones) — Hermes, Loro Piana, and Goyard. We decided to dive into the roots of this devotion.

Instagram: @zayed_alhaddar

To understand the profound significance of luxury goods in the UAE, we need to examine the region's consumer behaviour and social values, which date back to the era of trade routes and cultural exchanges. Back then, high-end products were merely markers of affluence, and today, they still play a similar role in building the perception of wealth and success.

Instagram: @goyardofficial

In a region with a well-defined social hierarchy and celebrated opulence, luxury products associated with privilege and refinement become integral components for establishing and maintaining social status that can influence personal and business interactions.

These circumstances push those who strive to climb the ranks to conspicuous consumption.

Instagram: @hermes

Another reason for Emirati men’s fashion choices is marketing strategies that target locals’ appreciation for craftsmanship and high quality.

Labels like Goyard, Hermes, and Loro Piana work with luxurious materials and position themselves as symbols of sophistication and elegance. Moreover, some of their products are famous for being unreachable for an ordinary person due to the limited production combined with high demand and brands’ policy, which again recalls the desire for exclusive status attributes.

Instagram: @loropiana

Last but not least — a matter of personal choice and style preferences. Emirati men just like these brands. And sometimes, you just don’t need an underlying reason to act or dress a certain way. You just buy what you like, wear it, and enjoy.

by Sana Bun