We know that Dubai is all about opulence and a no-limits attitude regarding gross displays of wealth -- but we really had no idea what that meant until we heard that they're building an island dedicated to fashion (Isla Moda). And that legendary designer/gloved weirdo Karl Lagerfeld will be designing 80 of the island's luxury homes. That qualifies as opulent in our book. Apparently, Isla Moda is part of the larger, even more outrageous, offshore development called "The World."

We're not sure where in The World the fashion island is located -- somewhere near Milan or Paris, we presume. We do know, however, that Isla Moda will be decked out with haute couture boutiques, fashion resorts, a medical facility, and of course luxury residential villas designed by Lagerfeld and decked out with Chanel furnishings. The idea is to manufacture an international fashion hot spot that will play host to fashion shows, product launches, etc. You never know, it may be the site of next year's Children's Fashion Week.

Read what Karl had to say after the break.

From the article in Zawya:

"The metamorphosis of art and beauty is my passion. The discovery of contemporary mediums of expression has allowed me to pursue my interest in art, beauty, architecture and progressive cultural exchange... Dubai is a fashion bud on the verge of blossoming into the next fashion hub of the world. The city is alive with culture and rich in personality, making it a perfect place for aesthetic, fashion and design to flourish. Isla Moda has tremendous potential to be the style icon of the future and I intend on driving the island to high style stardom."

[via Gawker]