50°C by Manabu Ozawa

I sauntered down to the new design shop '50 DEGREES' the other night to check out the urban inspired goods and also finally venture down the meandering roads in the new Downtown Dubai development that spreads itself around the base of the world's tallest building- The Burj Dubai (literally meaning The Tower of Dubai). After about an hour of driving down pitch black roads and hundreds of speed breakers I finally found the Souq Al Bahaar (name meaning "The Outdoor Souq"but it's an indoor mall!). The place was totally deserted and albeit a bit spooky but I was thrilled to find a Havaianas shop full of the gorgeous Brazilian flip-flops in every imaginable color. I also found a quirky little jewellry shop making unusual charm bracelets with a distinctly Moroccan flavour, semi precious stones and nuggets of silver. Of course- 50 degrees did not disappoint either. Stocking Blue Q, Nooka, and Pink Sushi products and works by Graphic Design stalwarts Genevieve Gauckler, Fafi and the like, the store is a treasure trove of unique design gift items and overpriced but easy-on-the-eye homeware. Definately worth a visit if you feel like a bit of design salvation, expensive gift splurge or retail therapy.

50°C, designed by Japanese designer Manabu Ozawa at Souk Al Bahar mall at Downtown Burj Dubai. It sells a menagerie of odd and cool such as clothes, cards, music, homeware, toys and gadgets from brands such as Suck UK, Norman, Whimsy and Whish.

I couldn't help myself and picked up some BlueQ items (www.blueq.com) for Dhruv and myself, and also a massive wall vinyl sticker of a hat rack by Studio 5.5. They also had wall sticker offerings from some of my favourite illustrators: Tado, Rinzen, Fafi, and Genevieve Gauckler.