Lovin Real Estate: How Dubai’s Karl Lagerfeld Villas Were Designed As An Homage To The Icon

Curious about the architecture behind Dubai’s most iconic homes?

Lovin Real Estate, brought to you by Taraf, is your go-to series for expert insight into the design, detail and creativity shaping the city’s property market

Each episode features top voices in real estate, architecture, finance and more — all sharing tips to help viewers choose the right investment in the UAE.

Meet the guest!

This episode features Michael Magill, the design mastermind at RSP Architects and the creative brain behind one of Dubai’s most stylish addresses—Karl Lagerfeld Villas by Taraf. Fashion meets real estate, and it’s as fab as it sounds!

Recommended

An Exciting New Podcast Is Bringing Dubai’s Stories To Life And You Can’t Miss It!Sip, Save & Celebrate: Windmill Cellar’s Valentine’s Deals Are Too Good To Miss!The Coolest Tech Playground Of MENA Is Coming To Dubai And You Can’t Miss It!

What sets designing in Dubai apart

Dubai is where bold ideas aren’t just welcomed… They’re expected! For architects like Michael, it’s a place where creativity gets supercharged, and collaborations with global icons like Karl Lagerfeld become more than just a dive into a brand’s DNA. It’s not about following a brand’s playbook—it’s about translating it into something that fits the local lifestyle, culture and pace of the city.

Branded residences go beyond luxury

Branded residences have taken the real estate world world by storm, for good reason. They’re not just homes; they’re full-blown lifestyle statements. Forget cookie-cutter mansions—these places let you live the brand. Whether it’s fashion, cars, or hotels, you’re buying into an entire aesthetic.

Take the Karl Lagerfeld Villas, for example—these aren’t just stylish homes; they’re like stepping into Karl’s personal mood board. Every detail, from the layout to the decor, channels his iconic design flair.

Karl Lagerfeld Villas by Taraf are designed for both style and soul

Michael says the idea behind the Karl Lagerfeld Villas was to bring Karl’s world to life—right here in the UAE. Working closely with the team in Paris, they crafted a concept that blended the essence of Karl’s home and design legacy with a regional twist. The result? A fashion-lover’s dream house.

Some standout features:

• A sculptural spiral staircase inspired by Karl’s iconic fashion shoots.
• A wow-worthy private library filled with books—because Karl loved his reading nook.
• A walk-in wardrobe!

How does great design shape how we feel and use a space

If you’re aiming for chill and calm, think soft colors, quiet spaces and simple designs that make you feel relaxed. But if it’s a nightclub, bring on the energy—shiny surfaces, lots of zigzags, and movement everywhere to keep the fun going.

It’s all in the (tiny) details

What makes a home feel like home—without you even realising it? Michael points to space planning and materiality. In warmer climates like the UAE, where people are often barefoot, the feel of floors and textures becomes crucial. It’s about those little things that people don’t notice—but that make a space feel just right.