In the heart of Dubai’s luxury scene, Caulaincourt Dubai stands as a shining example of French elegance and innovative craftsmanship. At the forefront of the shoe shop is Antoine Deverre, the dynamic force driving this unique blend of tradition and modernity.
His profound love for beauty and the art of shoemaking has become the motor behind the brand’s success in the region. We sat down with Antoine to talk about his journey and vision for Caulaincourt’s international branch.
Antoine’s love for beautiful things started at an early age, with his first word being “beau”, the French word for beautiful. His journey with Maison Caulaincourt began in 2012 when he visited the first boutique, located on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. The shop’s intimate size, the rich, comforting aroma of leather and tanning agents, and the vibrant colour palette of the shoes captivated him. The exquisite patinated leather products fuelled his passion for the house.
With extensive experience gained since his move to Dubai in 2006, Antoine Deverre developed his expertise through multiple management roles in high-end luxury houses. His enthusiasm inspired him to introduce Maison Caulaincourt to the Gulf region. “The city is the perfect mix of cultures and styles, making it the perfect location for the house,” Antoine says. His vision for the UAE-based branch went beyond selling luxury items: he wanted to create cultural exchange. “We want to share the rich heritage of French craftsmanship while also incorporating tailored elements that reflect the vibrant culture of the Middle East.”
Keeping his clients’ desires at heart, Maison Caulaincourt’s Dubai boutique is an embodiment of sophistication. Every detail, from the opulent decor to the personalised service, is designed to offer a truly luxurious experience. “Selling is a job of passion. It’s about understanding needs and making people feel comfortable.” Antoine emphasises. His dedication to his craft is evident in his refusal to sell a pair of shoes that don’t fit perfectly, demonstrating the Maison Caulaincourt ethos of quality and care.
Central to Caulaincourt’s products is the art of patina, a technique that gives leather an elevated, aged appearance. Antoine immersed himself in the intricate art of patina at renowned ateliers in Paris, where he meticulously learned to master this delicate technique. His atelier in Dubai is a sanctuary of craftsmanship, where he transforms high-end leather into beautiful pieces using tanning agents from the French brand Saphir. Each product, whether it arrives as a blank canvas or pre-finished, is meticulously worked on to meet the customisation desires of clients. “Patina is a celebration of know-how,” Antoine shares. “It’s an art that combines 50 percent theory and 50 percent practice.” Over time, the leather develops a deeper, more complex unique character, embodying elegance and distinction.
Naturally, when talking about Dubai branch one can not overlook the standout feature of the store, its exclusive customisation service. Here, clients have the opportunity to collaborate with skilled artisans to create handmade pieces tailored to their individual preferences. “Personalisation is key in today’s luxury market,” Antoine notes. “By involving our clients in the creative process, we create pieces that are not only unique but also hold sentimental value.” The house prides itself on offering these services at a fair price, ensuring that luxury is accessible to a discerning clientele.
While Maison Caulaincourt makes its mark in Dubai, Antoine remains optimistic about the future as he embarks on an exciting new chapter. “We’re just getting started with the expansion,” he says with a smile. Opening the brand to a new market, he hopes to bring the warmth of the house overseas as he prepares to move to Mauritius. “We aim to establish it as a household name by travelling to new exclusive places, where the demand is high and the gap is bigger.” With his expertise and unwavering dedication, Antoine aims to bring the rich heritage of Maison Caulaincourt towards new horizons.
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