Dubai Fashion Week: A Spectacular Debut for the Fifth Global Fashion Capital
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), a global event supported by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, showcased a range of over 45 shows, presentations, and events with 28 designers from more than 10 countries at its inaugural edition from May 19 to 24, 2022.
DFW was a spectacular way to debut Dubai as the fifth global fashion capital alongside Paris, New York, London, and Milan, according to Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, a member of TECOM Group. The fashion designers demonstrated the highest caliber of creativity and craftsmanship throughout the week, showcasing their Autumn Winter 23/24 and Women’s Haute Couture 2023 collections.
The six-day event had runway shows and events that were packed each night. Buyers and designers from the major global fashion capitals were out in full force, with strong buyers’ presence from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Arab world in attendance.
DFW provided regional and international talent with a gateway to new partnerships, markets, and opportunities. The event also answered a global call for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world, possible thanks to Dubai’s multicultural melting pot and commitment to nurturing the creative economy.
DFW took place in unique, alfresco surroundings, including the basketball court and skate park at The Block in d3, with custom-built, flexible structures for the event. Exclusive events also took place across the city as part of the vision to broaden the reach of DFW and unite the city and region’s fashion scene.
The highlights of DFW included Amato Retrospective’s iconic designs in celebration of 25 years of Amato Couture, which opened the show on the first night. The collections of DFW members part of the designers’ committee, Dima Ayad, Lama Jouni, and Mrs. Keepa, were featured on the penultimate day. 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.
DFW was more than just a fashion event as it fostered the growth of the creative economy in the region. A steering committee for DFW was unveiled, alongside a new buyers committee and a permanent designers committee, all of which work under the Arab Fashion Council’s supervision to ensure DFW’s ambitious vision is met and steer the future of the event in a dynamic and sustainable way.
The shows saw a full house each night with buyers and designers from the major global fashion capitals out in full force. 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.
Fashion partners added to the hype with a host of invite-only experiences, such as Emergency Room and Byhpe holding 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, celebrating the first edition of DFW.
Dubai Fashion Week has already surpassed the momentum gained during Arab Fashion Week, according to Jacob Abrian, Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Fashion Council. DFW and d3 are already working together to ensure that the next edition raises the bar further and establishes Dubai as a core contributor to the global fashion dialogue.
In conclusion, Dubai Fashion Week is a spectacular event that showcased the highest caliber of creativity and craftsmanship in the fashion industry. It is more than just a fashion event as it fostered the growth of the creative economy in the region. With its successful debut, DFW has set the bar high for future fashion events in the city and has established Dubai as the fifth global fashion capital destination.
