MILAN — Italian resort brand Manebí has opened its first store in Dubai, kickstarting a broader retail expansion across GCC countries as part of its overall international push.

Located inside The Dubai Mall, the unit is the result of a tie-up with Almarri Investment — Manebí’s strategic retail partner in the region — and is to be followed by another store opening in Abu Dhabi early next year.

The Dubai outpost will be key to engaging with the local clientele, as the UAE has become one of Manebí’s fastest-growing markets, reflecting the region’s appreciation for the brand’s Mediterranean-inspired lifestyle. This is seen not only in the store’s product offering — encompassing men’s and women’s collections of shoes, ready-to-wear, beachwear and accessories — but also in its laid-back interior concept hinging on warm hues and elements such as travertine, brass and resin details.

“Our store at The Dubai Mall is conceived as a true destination, a place where Manebí’s Italian design, craftsmanship and uncompromising quality come together,” said Vera Drossopulo Bogdano, who founded the Milan-based brand with Antonello Benati in 2013. “Here we celebrate a lifestyle made of iconic summer looks, effortlessly transitioning from day to night and crafted for a global audience that values authenticity and timeless style.”

The Dubai outpost adds to a network of 20 flagships mainly scattered across summer destinations — such as Portofino, Capri, Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and Mykonos — and to a distribution footprint of 400 doors in more than 40 countries.

The label’s international expansion accelerated starting in March 2019, when Milano Investment Partners, a fund management company that specializes in venture growth investments, acquired a minority stake in the company through a capital increase to boost the brand’s growth.

The strategy has since been reinforced by Swiss private equity firm Evoco, which in October 2024 acquired the stake formerly held by Milano Investment Partners, and injected additional funds via a capital increase. Alongside Evoco, Angel Capital Management — the investment holding of entrepreneur Angelo Moratti — continued to support Manebí, building on the commitment it had previously provided as part of its close ties to Milano Investment Partners.

Specializing in lower- to mid-market majority investments in Western Europe, Evoco has invested in more than 30 companies and raised more than 320 million euros since it was founded in 2012. Manebí is currently the only fashion company in its portfolio.

Rooted in the desire to capture the summer spirit and a globetrotting approach to life, Manebí built a name for itself by revisiting espadrilles with designs handcrafted in Spain, before gradually expanding its offering to other footwear styles, Made in Italy beachwear, accessories and ready-to-wear capsules injected with a resort vibe.

As part of its new chapter, the label is looking to pivot from a summer specialist to a year-round wardrobe provider, responding to growing market demand.

To this end, the brand has just introduced its first cashmere knitwear collection for men and women. Priced between 300 euros and 650 euros, the capsule includes staples spanning from crewnecks to hoodies and cardigans, all crafted in 100 percent cashmere and reflecting Manebí’s relaxed ethos.

“This launch represents an important milestone in our growth strategy,” Benati said. “While our roots remain deeply connected to summer and the spirit of leisure, we are expanding our universe to accompany our community throughout the entire year, always staying true to our values of quality, timeless design and effortless sophistication.”

The capsule collection adds to the fall 2025 lineup of shoes that further signals Manebí’s aim to develop a broader product offering.

New designs such as moccasins and penny loafers add to dainty slippers, rubber-lug ankle boots and winter takes on boat shoe styles in a lineup that encompasses soft suede, natural leather, silk velvet and pony hair, among others. Prices range from 140 euros to 210 euros.

In addition to the seasonal collections, collaborations continue to be an integral part of Manebí’s business to further build brand awareness and international visibility. The longstanding ones with personalities such as Alex Rivière and Luca Rubinacci are in addition to co-branded capsule collections previously launched with the likes of Sergio Rossi, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, LoveShackFancy, Luisa Beccaria and Forte_Forte, to name a few.