The Karl Lagerfeld fashion house is on a roll with branded residential projects.
On Friday, it revealed a partnership with Dubai-based AARK Developers for hundreds of beachfront residences on Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah prized for its stretches of white sand and a growing list of luxury attractions.
The deal was signed Wednesday in Paris, the same day Karl Lagerfeld unveiled the scale model and interiors for a 10-unit luxury apartment building in Lisbon.
Described as an “ultra-luxury waterfront development” valued at more than $1.4 billion and scheduled for completion in 2028, it is to comprise 663 sea-view residences ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, some with private pools. These include 20 podium villas, 10 “sky villas/penthouses,” and 11 “rare beachfront villas.”
Residents will also have access to two cafés and restaurants, a beach club, and a sky bar with an infinity pool.
Additional details are to be shared at a launch event in Dubai in the first quarter of 2026.
“To offer a unique experience with a residential project, it needs a special place that creates a canvas to put Karl’s ink on, and it needs a partner that passionately aspires, like we do, to bring Karl’s world and creativity to life,” Pier Paolo Righi, chief executive officer of Karl Lagerfeld, told WWD.
“We are excited that we have found such a place and a partner that will allow us to create a Karl Lagerfeld world in which many people from around the world will come together and indulge in — embracing Karl’s true spirit of connecting people in the most effortless and chic way,” he added.
“What brought AARK Developers and Karl Lagerfeld together is a mutual commitment to detail, refinement, and creating spaces with purpose,” according to Rahul Kumar Gupta, chairman of AARK Developers. “We believe that great design goes beyond aesthetics — it shapes how people feel, interact and live.”
The profile of Ras Al Khaimah within the United Arab Emirates is set to take a leap with the arrival of Wynn Al Marjan Island, expected in 2027. The integrated resort is to feature the UAE’s first casino, adding to its attractions as a hub for tourism, hospitality and entertainment.
Karl Lagerfeld also has a forthcoming project for 51 branded luxury villas in Dubai in partnership with upstart UAE real estate company Taraf Holding. A groundbreaking ceremony was held over the summer.
Reflecting the burgeoning market for branded residences — and the late German founder’s passion for interior design — the fashion house also has projects under development in Marbella, Spain; and Malacca, Malaysia, plus a namesake 271-room luxury hotel in Macao.
