We learned on Monday that Alef, the middle-eastern fashion magazine launched by Villa Moda founder Majed alSabah, will open nine Alef branded bookstores throughout the Middle East in joint-venture partnership with Villa Moda, the luxury retail group.
Founded in September 2006 Alef has established itself as the reference lifestyle and fashion magazine for and from the Middle East. Alef books, the name of the bookstore, is aimed to cater for creative professionals and sophisticated consumers living and/or working in the region. In the same way as Colette in Paris, or 10 Corso Como in Milan, the store will carry “a handpicked and targeted inventory of the best art, fashion, photography, design, lifestyle, limited edition, and gift books from the world’s finest design publishers ” said Paul de Zwart, Publisher and Editorial Director of Alef Magazine. The selection of books will be curated by Alef’s Design and Architecture editor, Yvonne Courtney (former director of London’s Mission Gallery).
“We’re witnessing the growth of a cultural and creative community in the Middle East that is following hot on the heels of a period of incredible and sustained economic growth; just like the magazine, the bookshops are a first for the region and hence will serve as a beacon for young creatives and professionals alike” said de Zwart. The first branch is set to open next month at Villa Moda’s newest location in Fahaheel, Kuwait. Eight more will follow over the course of the year.