Tucked in the ADNEC Grandstand Shopping Area is the new and not-at-all-ordinary Matawari Mens’ Boutique. The edgy and unique items are causing a stir, so we thought we would check it out for ourselves and chat with co-owner, Samer Al Ogidi.
What was your inspiration for opening Matawari?
The inspiration comes from world travels where we, the co-owners, discovered unique fashion ideas we have not seen in the UAE. Our designs come from Seoul, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, among others. They come direct from the designers and are not mass produced. Customers have a chance to buy one-of-a-kind fashions for a reasonable price. T-shirts, for example, run about Dh 200.
What are your best selling items?
Our T-shirts are always popular, so I would say they are. But, right now, being winter, our neoprene sweaters and funked-up tuxedo pants are popular too. Accessories with spikes fly off the shelves, much to my surprise. For value, you cannot beat our leather-embellished jeans.
Who are your customers?
Our customers are men who tend to take good care of themselves. They are well groomed and go regularly to the gym. Our motto is, “If you want to look ordinary, go to the mall. If you want to be on the edge of fashion, Matawari.”
How are you marketing your shop?
We are moving with the times and doing a lot of marketing on Instagram. Instagram is an amazing platform for business here in the UAE and I am constantly amazed at how quick the response is when I post photos of our new arrivals. I have had calls within minutes with people asking me to reserve a piece for them. We are open weekdays, but we offer private showings by appointment.
Visit Matawari at the ADNEC Grandstand or on Instagram,
https://www.instagram.com/matawarihomme/
