Native Dubai
Native Dubai is a luxury handbag and leather goods brand from the United Arab Emirates founded by Rachna Malkani. It makes handbags, shoes and small leather goods from camel, cow and bull leather as well as exotic skins.
| Founder | Rachna Malkani |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Arab Emirates |
| Products | Handbags, shoes, small leather goods |
| Signature material | Camel leather |
| Website | nativedubaionline.com |
What is Native Dubai?
Native Dubai is a luxury leather goods brand founded by Rachna Malkani, a former financial consultant who is also its creative director. The label grew out of Leather Crafts, a leather manufacturing facility that Malkani and her husband set up in the UAE in 2007.
Products and positioning
The brand makes premium handbags, footwear and small leather goods. Its materials include:
- Bull, camel and cow leather, largely from its Abu Dhabi tannery
- Exotic skins such as crocodile, ostrich and python
- Veg-tanned, chromium-free camel leather sourced locally
Its design philosophy holds that every material is a native element born from earth, water, air or fire. Malkani draws colour inspiration from nature, and one of her collections, Beauty beyond the Obvious, was inspired by her experience as the mother of a child with autism.
Distribution
Native Dubai sells through its own online store and the House of Native boutique. In 2021 it partnered with Farfetch, the Saudi retailer Rubaiyat and Wolf and Badger to widen its reach.
Why it matters
Native Dubai is an example of a Gulf luxury brand built on local leather production, notably camel leather, rather than relying solely on imported materials.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Native Dubai?
Native Dubai was founded by Rachna Malkani, who is also its creative director.
What is Native Dubai known for?
The brand is known for luxury handbags and leather goods, including pieces in locally sourced camel leather and exotic skins.