At the heart of the store is a striking sculptural “bubble” installation that flows across the ceiling and down the left-hand entrance wall. This organic, surreal form creates a dream-like space of unexpected texture and rhythm. The ceiling itself becomes an architectural statement, integrating lighting and speakers as a structural and artistic element.
The design takes inspiration from organic lines and earthy finishes that echo Dubai’s desert tones and landscape. Axel Arigato’s signature yellow runs throughout as a bold, immersive statement, embodying the brand’s ethos: “Good things come in yellow boxes.” What began as the joy of unboxing its iconic shoeboxes is now reimagined as the experience of stepping into its physical spaces.
The store debuts a first in Axel Arigato’s retail history – a mannequin sculpture created in collaboration with long-time creative partner Jon Buck, as part of an ongoing artistic practice with Jens Werner. Designed through the process of casting a human mould, the piece is more than a VM fixture; it stands as a sculptural work of art in its own right. Acting both as display and artwork, the mannequin embodies Axel Arigato’s unique approach to merging form, function and unexpected playfulness.
Founded in 2014 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Axel Arigato has become a much-loved fashion and apparel brand that blends its Scandinavian minimalist roots with playful design elements that inspire curiosity, self-expression and cultural exchange. Dubai is its eleventh store, following recent openings in NYC and a second space in London.
Footwear collections are presented in a gallery-like format on smooth, organically shaped podiums, offering varied focal points and enhancing the display of the brand’s constantly evolving product range. The Dubai store will stock a selection of brand favourites including Clean 90, Area and Dice – alongside newer silhouettes such as Eris and Daze Runner. An assortment of seasonal ready-to-wear and accessories will also be available to shop.
“This store is more than a retail space; it’s an expression of Axel Arigato’s identity interpreted through the lens of Dubai’s energy and landscape. Every design decision was made to create a space that feels both locally grounded and globally connected, reflecting our evolving approach to immersive, location-specific store environments – each crafted to deliver a distinct yet interconnected brand experience.”
— Jens Werner, Creative Director, Axel Arigato
The Dubai store is open now in Mall of the Emirates, with a series of celebratory activations kicking off from September. It coincides with the launch of axelarigato.ae – a localised version of the Axel Arigato website that will allow a seamless online shopping experience in the Middle East. This exciting expansion is powered in partnership with Chalhoub Group, the privately held luxury goods retailer and distributor, whose counsel will also assist the launch in Abu Dhabi.