Who doesn’t despise cancelled or delayed flights? If you are stuck in the bustling World Cup traffic at the Doha airport, we’ve got you covered on how to spend your time. Not only does Qatar have the most extravagant malls, Doha’s airport is just as impressive, in-fact it was crowned the ‘best airport’ in 2021. It is home to one of the most massive duty free areas in the world, with over 90 boutiques ranging from affordable to high-end luxury retailers such as: Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Hermès and Tiffany & Co. to name a few. If you’re indecisive on where to start, we have curated a list of the most luxurious stores you have to visit.
LOUIS VUITTON
Louis Vuitton is one of the most sought after luxury brands in most countries. The Parisian brand was founded and named after the skilled craftsman and fashion designer Louis Vuitton in 1854. The designer started to dabble into the industry when he was making trunks for Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo and eventually started his own boutique. The brand is still relevant after all these years because of their strong core values that focus mainly on protecting their craftsmanship. Check out the latest leather goods, accessories, perfumery and the ready-to-wear collection for both men and women, at the newly opened store, situated at the South Node Plaza next to the iconic lamp bear.
Fendi
The Italian luxury store was founded in 1925 in Rome by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the boutique was essentially founded to be a a handbag shop along with a fur workshop. Following the launch the brand gained immediate success and still remains one of the top contenders in the luxury sector. Discover the latest Fendi collection and get your ‘baguette’ while you’re strolling through the airport.
Tiffany & Co.
Who doesn’t want to have breakfast at Tiffany’s? We know we do, and now you can as well. Thanks to the Tiffany & Co. boutique at the Hamad airport, grab a croissant from the nearest French bistro and head to the store to treat yourself to the most luxurious jewellery. The American luxury company founded in 1837, sells a range of different accessories and jewellery from diamonds, sterling silver, porcelain, crystal to other items such as leather good, water bottles and fragrances too.
PUCCI
The brand was founded in 1947 by Italian aristocrat, fashion designer and politician Emilio Pucci, know worldwide for his geometric prints in varying summer colours. It is the quintessential summer must-have. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the latest prints at the Pucci store located in Qatar Duty Free.
Chloé
This French fashion house was launched in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, the brand is now most-known for their bags and overly-feminine aesthetic. Some people might not be familiar with the history of the brand in the ’60s and ’70s when multiple reputable designers worked with Chloé such as Karl Lagerfeld, Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney. The brand is now run by Gabriela Hearst since 2020, don’t forget to get yourself the trendy tote bag when you visit.
PAT MCGRATH
For the makeup lovers, McGrath doesn’t need an introduction and neither do her products. The brand was founded by the legendary makeup artist in 2015, when the first ever product launched ‘001 Gold’ was sold out in a few seconds. Ever since the prominent artist has launched a range of products from eye-shadows to the most pigmented lipsticks. Stock up on all your beauty essentials before you regret it on the plane.
Hermès
The most coveted Hermès was founded in 1837 rue Basse-du-Rempart in Paris, by Thierry Hermès, a harness-maker. After years in the business, and conducting market analysis he was able to gather what the customer was demanding and right after he started creating his own harnesses to fill the market gap that embodied the utmost level of craftsmanship. Get yourself on the client list at the duty free store to snag a Hermès ASAP.
VALENTINO
The Italian luxury house was founded by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti in 1960, the brand presented its first couture collection just two years after in 1962 in Florence at the Pitti Palace. The couture collection gained a lot of traction and as the brand evolved throughout the years so did the star-studded clientele list. Some names from the list include: Jacqueline Kennedy, Belgian Queen Paola, Princess Margaret of England and Audrey Hepburn. The brand is still as iconic as they have been able to re-brand seamlessly across the years under the direction of Pierpaolo Picciolo. Don’t miss a chance to browse through the latest collection when you’re at the airport.
GUERLAIN
The French perfume house was founded by Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain, in 1828. It has been a family business ever since for over five decades, known for their exclusively-curated line of perfume, skincare and makeup too. Discover the world of haute perfumerie at the boutique, and experience a range of opulent fragrances.
Burberry
Burberry was founded by 21 year old, Thomas Basingstoke in 1856, with the concept of stylish yet functional clothing that would protect people from British weather. Soon the items were worn by many and the first Burberry trench coat was made during the first World War, to protect the soldiers and their military equipment. Fast forward to the 1920s, the most-loved trademark Burberry plaid was created, which is still adorned by fashion fiends globally. If you still don’t own the iconic trench, grab one while you’re waiting for your flight.
