Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce

ARABESQUE, a new jewellery boutique opening today (Friday 20 May) on Glasgow's Byres Road, is the only retailer in the UK to stock a range of products favoured by A-list celebrities.

The north-American brand, Mimi & Marge, claims international superstars Beyonce, Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon and Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field as some of its biggest fans and now Glasgow shoppers will have exclusive access to the range.

ARABESQUE in the city's West End is a new venture being headed up by Vivien Kyles, chief executive of Hamilton Park Racecourse.

Living in Glasgow, Vivien identified a gap in the market for an independent boutique stocking a range of carefully selected, exclusive products in addition to world renowned brands like high-street favourite, Pandora.

Vivien said: "I love jewellery and wanted to create a store that sold unique, elegant pieces - something that really stands out from the crowd - in addition to the stylish international brands that have proven to be hugely popular in recent years. ARABESQUE will stock classic, contemporary jewellery from leading brands like Pandora, in addition to exclusive, high-impact pieces like the Mimi & Marge beetle ring as worn by Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.

"This is an entirely new venture for me, having advised so many start-up businesses in the past, it's great to be starting my own from scratch. It's very exciting. I believe in the concept and I am delighted with the location on Byres Road. Glasgow's West End has always had a reputation as the city's stylish quarter, and ARABESQUE will inject some extra sparkle into the area."

In addition to Mimi & Marge and Pandora, the new store will exclusively sell Noah Barcelona's Touch and Silk ranges, while also stocking a range by award-winning Dutch brander Ti Sento. Hand selected from the UK the boutique will also sell the Venetian-inspired Fifefrost and Edinburgh-based pearl jewellery brand Fussione.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is more great news for Glasgow's retail sector as the city continues to show why it's the top UK shopping destination outside of London. A new start-up business like ARABESQUE securing the UK exclusive on an international brand like Mimi & Marge, as well as support from leading names such as Pandora, is testament to Glasgow's retail prowess and the care and attention that Vivien has given to establishing her product portfolio. I wish her and her staff the very best of luck with the new store and look forward to a successful future for ARABESQUE."

The store, located on Byres Road near Hillhead Subway Station, officially opens its doors today, Friday 20^th May, and will be offering special promotions throughout the weekend.

For further information on ARABESQUE's product range, please visit the store on Byres Road or contact 0141 334 3403.