Dubai Fashion Week 2022: A Global Fashion Event
Dubai Fashion Week 2022 has been a resounding success, attracting designers and buyers from major global fashion capitals. The event took place from 22nd to 27th March and was hosted by the Arab Fashion Council (AFC) in collaboration with Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC. The event has gained significant momentum and was attended by a full house of buyers and designers from across the world. The event saw a 55% growth in RSVP’s compared to Arab Fashion Week in March 2022, making it one of the most popular events in the fashion industry.
As Dubai continues to position itself as one of the leading fashion capitals alongside Paris, New York, London, and Milan, Dubai Fashion Week has become a definitive fixture on the city’s calendar. The event has evolved from the successful Arab Fashion Week and has become an international fashion event of great significance. The event showcased some of the region’s most dynamic runways and programs yet, spread across six days. Over 45 shows, presentations, and events took place on the Fashion Calendar, with 28 designers from more than 10 countries showcasing their Autumn Winter 23/24 and Women’s Haute Couture 2023 collections.
The Designers
The event featured some of the most outstanding designers in the world, with each showcasing their unique style and creativity. Standout moments from the inaugural edition included Amato Retrospective’s iconic designs, in celebration of 25 years of Amato Couture as they opened the show on the first night. The penultimate day of Dubai Fashion Week featured the collections of DFW members part of the designers’ committee, Dima Ayad, Lama Jouni, and Mrs. Keepa. Lili Blanc showcased collections straight off the Paris Fashion Week runways, as part of AFC’s partnership with La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. Dubai-based label, Anomalous unveiled the global collaboration with Hot Wheels, the #1 selling toy in the world with over 8 billion Vehicles sold.
The Buyers
The shows saw a strong buyers’ presence, with representatives from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Arab world in attendance. d3 and the Arab Fashion Council presented the first-ever Buyers Talk, which brought together a prestigious panel of buyers from the UAE and Europe to shed light on the elements of a successful working partnership between the designer and the buyer, from commercial viability to planning schedules. The panellists included Milan-based Dani Stenin from Antonioli, Paris-based Raphael Deray from Printemps, Caterina Ercoli from Level Shoes, Georgina Gainza from Al Tayer Group, and Martina Solino from Tryano & Saks.
The Committees
A number of other exciting new initiatives were launched too. A steering committee for Dubai Fashion Week was unveiled, alongside a new buyers committee, and a permanent designers committee, all of which work under the Arab Fashion Council’s supervision. They serve to ensure Dubai Fashion Week’s ambitious vision is met and steer the future of the event in a dynamic and sustainable way. The announcement on the committees will be made at a later stage featuring all pertinent details, including the agenda and the names of its esteemed members.
The Venues
Dubai Fashion Week took place in unique, alfresco surroundings, including the basketball court and skate park at The Block at d3. The exclusive events also took place across the city as part of the vision to broaden the reach of Dubai Fashion Week and unite the city and region’s fashion scene.
The Partners
Fashion partners added to the hype with a host of invite-only experiences. Emergency Room and Byhpe held exclusive after-parties, while Dubai Fashion Week member designer Hussein Bazaza held an intimate fashion presentation and party. Ferragamo hosted a Styling Masterclass event with Lana Qatramiz and Gaelle Hojeily at Dubai Mall Boutique, celebrating the SS23 collection launch. Level Shoes collaborated with Gallery Collectional to launch their new in-store personal shopping services, By Appointment: Where Fashion Meets Design, and the Stella McCartney label invited guests to a private preview and workshop for the limited-edition Emerald Capsule Collection for Ramadan. Etoile La Boutique hosted a private lunch to discover Serena handbags, and there was a special buyers’ dinner at Caviar Kaspia in celebration of the first edition of Dubai Fashion Week.
Conclusion
Dubai Fashion Week has exceeded all expectations and has firmly established itself as a significant global fashion event. The show attracts designers, buyers, and industry experts from across the world and acts as a vital creative platform for global talent. The event has answered a global call for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world, and Dubai can be proud of its multicultural melting pot and commitment to nurturing the creative economy. Dubai Fashion Week is sure to go from strength to strength and help shape the global creative dialogue.
