Cooperation, creativity, innovation are the main drivers for success: Ingie Chalhoub

“I had a dream when I was a young student in Paris to bring luxury fashion brands to the Middle East. When we launched Etoile Group 40 years ago, that dream became a reality,” said Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group, and a successful businesswoman who has been pushing the boundaries of luxury fashion in the region since 1983.

When Chalhoub launched Etoile Group 40 years ago, luxury retail in the region was almost unknown. Today, Etoile Group houses over 50 high-end brands within the multi-brand stores, while Etoile La Boutique represents various luxury houses such as Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Tod’s, Aquazzura, Etro, Valentino, Hogan and Yamamay in the region.

“Our clients would previously have to travel to Paris, Milan, New York or London every season. Today, four decades later, the Arabian Gulf is one of the most high-growth and fashion-forward luxury markets in the world. I’m proud of the role that my team at Etoile Group has played in this evolution. We have done so by building unmatched relationships with our clientele and by investing in lasting partnerships with brands and designers who share our commitment to innovation and creativity,” Chalhoub stated.

Currently, Etoile Group enjoys a prominent presence in the Middle East, primarily in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon with 40+ boutiques across the region, coupled with an increasing online presence.

In fact, 2022 was an exceptionally strong year for Etoile Group as it achieved double-digit growth, onboarded new brands and launched boutiques in new and existing locations, improving accessibility and increasing awareness of its brands. The Group also launched etoilelaboutique.com in 2020 as part of its efforts to enhance customer experience and develop an omnichannel strategy.

Looking ahead, Etoile Group is prioritising growth of its omnichannel proposition and enhancing the e-commerce experience at Etoile La Boutique with a view to give customers the choice to engage with its brands in the way that suits them best. The Group also has plans to expand its brick-and-mortar retail presence in the region over the next 24 months opening new boutiques in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as reopening boutiques in Lebanon. Chalhoub continues to drive the Etoile Group forward with international expansion in mind and a vision to be the foremost Middle East leader in luxury retail and creativity.

“As a leader, I believe that cooperation, creativity and innovation are the main drivers to success. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity, supports open communication and promotes lifelong learning and development. My ultimate objective is to establish a team that is enthusiastic, devoted and motivated to surpass expectations while putting our clients’ needs first. Together, we can achieve great things and make a meaningful impact in our industry,” Chalhoub added.

What’s more, Chalhoub is also a philanthropist who was knighted with the prestigious ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur’ from France in 2018. She is also involved in various humanitarian activities supporting research in breast cancer, Dubai Cares and UNICEF.