As reported by Arabian Business, an exclusive interview with Pier Paolo Righi, Chief Executive of Karl Lagerfeld, and Ahmed Shibel, Chief Executive of Taraf, shed light on the intricate details of the project.
As per Arabian Business, Dubai-based real estate developer Taraf and luxury fashion brand Karl Lagerfeld have jointly unveiled a new collection of branded residences in the emirate. This initiative marks Karl Lagerfeld’s fourth venture into branded residential properties globally and its inaugural foray into the Middle East, contributing to the Maison’s expanding real estate portfolio.
Situated in Dubai’s Meydan area, the real estate venture is poised to become an “exclusive, branded community,” affirmed Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld, during a media roundtable event held on Tuesday.
Named the Karl Lagerfeld X Taraf project, it will comprise 51 exclusive villas meticulously designed to embody the distinctive aesthetics of the fashion house, paying homage to the enduring legacy of the late German fashion icon.
Karl Lagerfeld X Taraf: Everything you need to know
As stated by Arabian Business, the custom-designed villas, targeted at high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), offer two distinct façades: Soft Modern and Urban Modern. Prices for these luxurious residences vary based on the number of bedrooms.
Ahmed Shibel, CEO of Taraf, revealed that the 5-bedroom villa is priced at AED15 million, while the 6- and 7-bedroom options are available at AED20 million and AED25 million, respectively.
Discussing the unique features of the villas, Karl Lagerfeld’s CEO, Pier Paolo Righi, emphasized that it’s challenging to highlight just one aspect. He elaborated that the project embodies Lagerfeld’s vision of a home in Dubai, incorporating significant elements such as his extensive collection of books, which exceeded 300,000 volumes in a dedicated library.
Addressing inquiries about Lagerfeld’s beloved pet cat, Choupette, Righi acknowledged the feline’s significance in Lagerfeld’s life. While there won’t be a direct reference to Choupette in the design, Righi suggested that the villa’s ambiance would reflect an environment where Lagerfeld’s cherished companion could feel at ease and content.
As noted by Arabian Business, the Karl Lagerfeld X Taraf project in Dubai will boast a range of premium features inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s distinctive aesthetic preferences. These features include the use of premium materials, incorporation of water features, and architectural designs inspired by Lagerfeld’s fondness for the elegance of the 18th century.
Dubai ‘held a very special place’ in Lagerfeld’s heart
As mentioned by Arabian Business on Tuesday, Dubai has emerged as a global hub for branded residences, with a diverse range of industries, including hotels, jewelry brands, and motoring companies, venturing into the real estate market. A new Property Finder report highlights Dubai’s position as the leading city worldwide for luxury branded residential developments. Over half of the new home projects introduced in 2022 consist of standalone branded apartment buildings, surpassing the global average. Dubai is capitalizing on strong demand from investors and residents seeking high-end housing with branded amenities, without the transient nature of hotel accommodations.
According to Pier Paolo Righi and Ahmed Shibel, the partnership between Karl Lagerfeld and Taraf comes at an opportune moment, coinciding with the increasing popularity of branded residences in Dubai. Shibel emphasized the demand for branded residences, particularly villas, outpacing supply in Dubai. He noted the emirate’s strong performance in the luxury residential market and highlighted the significance of finding the right partner for the venture.
Righi echoed Shibel’s sentiments, affirming Dubai’s significance to Karl Lagerfeld, stating that the emirate held a special place in the late designer’s heart. According to Arabian Business, the completion of the Karl Lagerfeld X Taraf project is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, promising a distinctive addition to Dubai’s branded residential landscape.
