Launched just last September, Dubai-based Maison Orient is a newcomer to the e-commerce scene that’s creating a space exclusively for talent from this side of the world. “When I started discovering amazing talent from different countries, I realised how under-represented they are,” says founder Ayse Arel, a Turkish-American who previously managed managed e-commerce for several brands, including Kenzo, Harvey Nichols and Beymen. “The fashion industry is highly saturated and it’s very challenging for new designers and brands to grow and take their businesses outside of their countries.”

Not anymore, it would seem. Her sleek website offers carefully curated brands from eleven countries of the Middle East, North Africa and India and seamlessly connects them with the rest of the world by offering free worldwide shipping. We’d say it was about time.