The Galleria Al Maryah Island has officially launched Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi, a series by Comité Colbert in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Hosted from 12 November until 14 December, Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi invites guests on a journey of French creativity and craftsmanship, bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to the emirate for the first time. As the home of luxury brands in the capital, The Galleria’s Luxury Collection will host bespoke experiences showcasing sophisticated French craftsmanship throughout the month.
The event was inaugurated with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at The Galleria in the presence of HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, Guillaume de Seynes, Chairman of the Board of Comité Colbert, Elisabeth Ponsolle des Portes, President & CEO of Comité Colbert and Ali Eid Almheiri, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure, as well as a delegation of 35 Presidents and CEOs of the French luxury brand members of Comité Colbert.
As part of Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi, The Galleria will feature exceptional window displays, in-store scenographies and events which explore French luxury in the 21st Century through unique collaborations between 26 luxury French brands.
Some of the world’s most admired luxury French brands are also hosting a programme of exquisite events, exclusively at The Galleria. Cartier and Flammarion Beaux Livres are showcasing a stunning collection of fine jewellery which is being shown publicly for the first time. Louis Vuitton is demonstrating its iconic monogram painting technique.Van Cleef & Arpels are hosting an exquisite jewellery workshop, while Chloé and Sèvres-Cité de la Céramique are lifting the veil on house secrets in their project about ‘Colours’ project. Hermès invites those with a passion for horse-riding the chance to explore the art of saddle making with a special demonstration.
Guests of Boucheron can discover Ercuis and the Château de Fontainebleau, and admire the garden of the senses created by Bernardaud, Christofle and Guerlain at their special pop-up space. Baccarat and Christian Dior are honouring 70 years of close collaboration in creating exquisite objects of desire, while the five-house group consisting of Hermès, Parfums Hermès, John Lobb, Puiforcat and Saint Louis perform a scenography conceived by a duo of contemporary artists. Chanel is featuring the Hôtel Ritz Paris and La Monnaie de Paris, expressing the spirit of French Art de Vivre.
Celine showcases a new line of perfumes at its designated pop-up, while Hôtel Le Bristol, Christofle and Robert Haviland & C.Parlon also join this prestigious collective in celebration of French luxury.
“Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi will showcase the very best of French culture in the UAE capital,” said HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, part of DCT Abu Dhabi. “We are delighted to be supporting such a significant event for not only our emirate, but also for the wider region. This impactful activation at the Galleria will see the creation of some incredible collaborations which will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a key location for globally significant events.”
Ali Eid Al Mheiri, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure says, “The Galleria’s Luxury Collection features the largest selection of luxury French brands in the capital, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Dior and Boucheron; and we are honoured to collaborate with Comité Colbert and partner with DCT to host Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi for the first time. We invite everyone to visit the various exhibitions and enjoy the best of French culture, art and luxury.”
Elisabeth Ponsolle des Portes, President & CEO of Comité Colbert, comments, “As a collective body representing French luxury, Comité Colbert is keen to ensure a solidarity between brands in order for all its members to present the diverse facets of French creativity and excellence. For Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi in The Galleria, 26 prestigious brands have worked hand by hand to present this unique event especially designed for Abu Dhabi.”
Across the emirate, Flânerie Colbert Abu Dhabi will be exhibited at various venues until 14 December supported by DCT Abu Dhabi, including the House of Artisans at the Al Hosn site, the annual Abu Dhabi Art fair and Louvre Abu Dhabi. The various events will echo the theme of the main exhibition 10,000 Years of Luxury which is being presented from 30 October 2019 until 15 February 2020 at Louvre Abu Dhabi by Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD), an associate member of the Comité Colbert.
