Dubai Fashion Week Witnesses 55% Growth in RSVPs Compared to Arab Fashion Week
In March 2022, Dubai Fashion Week witnessed an astounding 55% growth in RSVPs compared to Arab Fashion Week. The mega event was supported by Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council. The event was a roaring success and attracted buyers and designers from major fashion capitals around the world.
Dubai Fashion Week is Dubai’s new definitive fashion fixture and part of its bid to become the fifth fashion capital destination alongside Paris, New York, London, and Milan. The event evolved from the successful Arab Fashion Week, and the city debuted the most dynamic runway shows and programs spread across six days. Over 45 shows, presentations and events took place on the Fashion Calendar, where 28 designers from more than 10 countries showcased their Autumn-Winter 23/24 and Women’s Haute Couture 2023 collections.
Dubai DFW’s Spectacular Debut
“Dubai Fashion Week was a spectacular way to debut Dubai as the fifth global fashion capital,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group. “Designers demonstrated the highest calibre of creativity and craftsmanship throughout the week. As a global creative platform, we at d3 are thrilled to see Dubai help shape the global creative dialogue. 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.”
Dubai’s multicultural melting pot and commitment to nurturing the creative economy played a noteworthy role in achieving the global event’s success.
Dubai Fashion Week’s Standout Moments
Dubai Fashion Week’s inaugural edition witnessed several standout moments, including iconic designs by Amato Retrospective in celebration of 25 years of Amato Couture, the collections of DFW members – Dima Ayad, Lama Jouni, and Mrs Keepa, collections straight off the Paris Fashion Week runways by Lili Blanc as part of AFC’s partnership with La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, and a global collaboration unveiling by Dubai-based label, Anomalous with the #1 selling toy in the world – Hot Wheels, with over 8 billion Vehicles sold.
Dubai Fashion Week’s Successful Buyer’s Presence
The shows boasted a strong buyer’s presence, with representatives from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Arab world in attendance. The first-ever Buyers Talk by d3 and the Arab Fashion Council 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. The panelists 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.
Exciting New Initiatives Launched
Dubai Fashion Week witnessed several exciting new initiatives. The 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.
Fashion Partners Add to the Hype
Dubai Fashion Week’s 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 to celebrate 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.
Dubai Fashion Week Becomes Integral to the Global Fashion Dialogue
Dubai Fashion Week is off to a great start, and the event has already surpassed the momentum gained during Arab Fashion Week. Jacob Abrian, Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, is already working with d3 to ensure that the next edition raises the bar further and establishes Dubai as a core contributor to the global fashion dialogue.
Dubai’s multiculturalism played an essential role in ensuring the event’s success. With impressive participation by designers, buyers, and attendees from various parts of the world, Dubai Fashion Week has made its mark as one of the preeminent events on the international fashion scene.
