Once the go-to for in-the-know New Yorkers and Parisians looking for the ultimate power-shoulder blazer or no-nonsense wide-leg trousers, The Frankie Shop is officially touching down in the Middle East. And not just anywhere—Abu Dhabi.
The cult-favorite brand, founded by former TV journalist Gaëlle Drevet, is best known for its streamlined silhouettes, quietly luxe vibe, and viral hits like the padded tee. Beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and basically every fashion editor with a Notes app full of minimal outfit formulas, Frankie Shop’s aesthetic is clean, cool, and purposefully unfussy. And now, it’s going regional.
For the next two weeks, Frankie Shop’s first-ever physical activation in the Middle East is taking over the Region Concept Space in MiZa, complete with 50 exclusive pieces made just for Abu Dhabi. Think tailored sets, elevated everyday essentials, and all the neutral tones you’d expect—reworked with the Gulf’s understated elegance in mind.
The pop-up, created in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), is part of a much bigger flex: Abu Dhabi’s growing push to position itself as a serious fashion capital. While Dubai has long been the regional retail heavyweight, the UAE’s capital is now playing catch-up in its own way.
In the past year alone, Casablanca staged a two-week long celebration of fashion, food, and tennis in the city, while Prada hosted its 11th iteration of Prada Mode in the capital. Now, with Frankie Shop joining the chat, it’s clear: international brands aren’t just dropping in—they’re testing out long-term potential.
Which brings us back to Frankie Shop. The brand has always been digital-first—no splashy flagship stores, no retail chains—just a few carefully picked spaces in NYC and Paris, and a website that sells out on the regular. This two-week Abu Dhabi pop-up is part experiment, part soft launch. A way to test regional appetite without the full retail commitment. And honestly? It’s kind of genius.
Let’s face it, the GCC consumer doesn’t need convincing when it comes to fashion. But they do want more than just a store—they want an experience. Frankie Shop delivers on that with styling sessions from Gaëlle herself, an appearance by stylist Bettina Looney, and curated talks.
So, is Abu Dhabi the new playground for global fashion brands? If this pop-up’s anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes!
Guests can register for the panels and styling sessions at www.thefrankieshop.com, where they can also discover the full program.
