As a partner and Senior Legal Consultant at Al Safar and Partners Law Firm in the UAE, specializing in Retail Law, Branding Law, and Intellectual Property (IP) Law, I recently had the opportunity to attend the Roberto Cavalli fashion show in Dubai. Invited by Roberto Cavalli France and the Arab Fashion Council, the experience was an exciting blend of high fashion, influential connections, and an exploration of how law intersects with the world of creativity and design.
Recently, Vision Investment Company (VIC), the private investment vehicle of Dubai-based billionaire Hussain Sajwani, chairman of DAMAC Group, acquired the iconic Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli for a transaction valued at 160 million euros ($177.7 million; Dh652 million). This acquisition comes as part of a restructuring deal approved by the Italian court, allowing the Dubai-based company to purchase the fashion brand after its financial difficulties. Italian private equity firm Clessidra had previously owned Roberto Cavalli but was unable to revitalize it, leading to this new chapter under VIC’s ownership. DAMAC Group's ongoing partnership with Roberto Cavalli also includes branding collaborations like the “Just Cavalli” villas in Dubai, showcasing a commitment to expanding the influence of fashion in lifestyle sectors.” https://www.damacgroup.com/en/article/damac-buys-italian-firm-roberto-cavalli/ “
During the event, I reconnected with influential figures from the fashion industry, including the creative genius behind the latest Roberto Cavalli collection, the founder of a major retail group, and the co-founder of a renowned fashion brand. These long-standing relationships have been instrumental in bridging the gap between creativity and legal expertise, highlighting the critical role that legal support plays in ensuring a brand’s successful market presence—from the establishment and protection of brand identity to navigating complex business agreements.
At Al Safar and Partners, we pride ourselves on being well-positioned to assist fashion brands and retailers with:
- Branding Setup: Guiding to ensure that brands establish a strong and legally compliant identity in the UAE while offering support in navigating branding regulations.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Helping protect creative assets and ensuring that a brand’s unique identity is legally secured, from trademarks to design patents.
- Retail Law and Commercial Transactions: Assisting clients in negotiating agreements, managing commercial transactions, and handling legalities related to distribution, licensing, and franchising.
At Al Safar and Partners, our goal is to be a trusted partner for businesses in this vibrant sector, ensuring that they have the legal backing needed to thrive and expand, whether through branding, retail operations, or broader commercial ventures. As the fashion industry continues to evolve in the UAE, having the right legal partner is key to ensuring that creativity and business objectives align seamlessly.
Contact us for more information or legal advice on +971.4.4221944 or by email at reception@alsafarpartners.com - www.alsafarpartners.com
Written By:
Ms.Luminita Rizescu- Partner and specialized in Retail Law, Commercial and Rental Disputes, and Will drafting atAl Safar and Partners Law Firm.