Dubai Fashion Week Makes a Stunning Debut as the Fifth Global Fashion Capital Destination
Dubai Fashion Week made its debut in March 2022, and it was nothing short of a spectacular event. The global event, supported by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, demonstrated the highest caliber of creativity and craftsmanship throughout the week. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, said, “Dubai Fashion Week was a spectacular way to debut Dubai as the fifth global fashion capital. Not only did DFW provide regional and international talent a gateway to new partnerships, markets, and opportunities, but it also answered a global call for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world.”
The event started in a great way, and the runway shows and events saw a full house each night, with buyers and designers from the major global fashion capitals out in full force. Over 45 shows, presentations, and events took place on the fashion calendar, with some 28 designers from more than 10 countries showcasing their Autumn Winter 23/24 and Women’s Haute Couture 2023 collections.
Stand out moments from the inaugural edition included Amato Retrospective’s iconic designs in celebration of 25 years of Amato Couture and Lili Blanc showcasing 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 shows saw a strong buyers’ presence with representatives from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Arab world in attendance. The inaugural 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, was presented by d3 and the Arab Fashion Council. 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 (which includes Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales), and Martina Solino from Tryano & Saks.
Following the panel, a Designers Lookbook Review was held, giving the designers the opportunity to engage directly with buyers and showcase highlights from their collections. 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.
Dubai Fashion Week took place in unique, alfresco surroundings, including the basketball court and skate park at The Block at d3. 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.
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 buyer’s dinner at Caviar Kaspia in celebration of the first edition of Dubai Fashion Week.
Overall, Dubai Fashion Week was a great success, establishing Dubai as the fifth fashion capital destination alongside Paris, New York, London, and Milan. Its multicultural melting pot and commitment to nurturing the creative economy have created an inclusive and diverse platform that puts Dubai on the global creative dialogue. Dubai Fashion Week provided regional and international talent a gateway to new partnerships, markets, and opportunities, shaping the global creative dialogue.
With the fifth edition of Dubai Fashion Week already in the works, the event will undoubtedly continue to raise the bar, establishing Dubai further as a core contributor to the global fashion dialogue.
