A Stylish Boutique Owner Shares Her Fashion Favourites

Where possible, The Design Collective promotes sustainable and women-led brands, and since opening the store, the scope has widened and we now stock around 70 designers from the wider region. I’ve always been interested in fashion but I chose to study business rather than design, which perhaps explains why I co-founded a store rather than started a clothing brand myself.

I recently moved to Abu Dhabi after living in London for more than 15 years. I live there with my husband David and our son River, and I’m very excited about my new collaboration with Region, which is the UAE’s coolest concept space in Abu Dhabi. The Frankie Shop recently hosted a pop-up there and I’ll be working with Region to showcase the best South Asian designers.

One thing that excites me most about the South Asian fashion scene is its incredible diversity and depth – the way designers are reinterpreting heritage textiles, crafts, and techniques through a contemporary lens. In Sri Lanka, I see designers using old techniques like batik and beeralu in new ways to bring them to a new audience. There is a powerful cultural narrative being told through South Asian fashion right now, and I love being part of a movement that champions creativity. 

Currently, my top three under-the-radar South Asian brands include Hala, which creates modern silhouettes using handwoven Sri Lankan textiles. I love how it celebrates local craftsmanship in such a fresh, wearable way. House of Lonali is the second. Its commitment to sustainable production using deadstock material is so thoughtful but the pieces still feel chic. Finally, Yam is all about bold new prints hand-painted by Priya, the founder. I love the colours – and the co-ords and sets are particularly good.

My favourite bag brand is Misela. The pieces are elegant yet distinctive and there’s always a sense of timelessness to the bags. It’s the kind of brand that speaks to women who appreciate quiet luxury and thoughtful craftsmanship. I also love how they can personalise the bags and purses.

I’m constantly inspired by South Asian jewellery designers, and three of my absolute favourites are Valliyan, Misho, and Dhora. Valliyan’s bold, vintage-inspired pieces always make a statement – they’re glamorous with a nostalgic edge. Misho is all about that sculptural minimalism that’s so refined and architectural and Dhora blends tradition with a raw, contemporary spirit. Every piece feels rooted yet refreshingly modern.