Dubai has ostensibly done the impossible…cultivated a luxurious allure of glamour and intrigue within an incessantly over-exposed period. The city’s man-man islands, streets that nonchalantly accommodate Bugatti Veyrons, and impeccably attired inhabitants have captivated the imaginations of the fashion elite. Heralded as the “capital of fashion of the Arab world,” this dynamic metropolis boasts the largest retail shopping mall in the world, accommodates hundreds of nationalities and hosts the most titillating fashion event of the year, ‘Fashion Forward Dubai.”
‘Fashion Forward Dubai’ is a biannual affair that displays the works of the most talented designers within the Middle East. In its 8th season, ‘Fashion Forward Dubai’ is “the definitive fashion platform for Dubai and the Middle East providing development, exposure and a progressive direction for the regional fashion industry.” This extravaganza features enchanting fashion shows, riveting presentations and engaging discussions by industry experts. Although visitors may initially journey to Dubai out of curiosity of the locale; they persist because of the designers.
Spring/Summer 2017 ‘Fashion Forward Dubai’ promises to continue the tradition of excellence established by previous presentations. This season includes the debuts of Egyptian designer Maram Aboul Enein, Egyptian-French designer Mariam Yehia, Qatari designer Hissa Zainal, Omani designer Amal Al Raisi, Dubai-designers Aliya Tair and Marwah, as well as, three Indian designers chosen by the fashion-tech company, 6Degree. The proceeding will also display creations by Lebanese designers Salim Azzam, Lobnan Mahfouz and Timi Hayek, as well as, Saudi-born designer Arwa Al, Dubai-based Basma Abu Ghazaleh, Saudi designer Nouf Hakeem, Dubai-based designers Kristina Fidelskaya, Ezra and Zaid Farouki, Persian Ava, Paris-based Lebanese designer Lama Jouni, Kazakhstani designer Saltanat Baimukhamedova, Syrian-born, Dubai-based designer Zena Presley, Moroccan-born, Said Mahrouf, Central Saint Martins’ graduate Andraya Farrag, Emirati designer Zareena, Beirut-based designer Mira Hayek, Faiza Bouguessa of the Dubai- based label, Bouguessa, Amira Haroon of Pakistani origins, Emirati designer Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi, American born-Dubai Based designer, Orchid Ganji, Dubai-based label by Lebanese designer Ayad, and Filipino fashion designer- based in Dubai Furne One.
Prominent jewelry and accessory designers present gorgeous accessories from Alessa Jewelry, Amal Haliq, Bana Sunglasses, Belquis Bags, Inaaya, Madiso, Myriam SOS, Narinee, Natalie Trad, NS by Noof, Rula Galayini, Sahag, Vanina and Vinita Michael in an exhibit titled, “The Showcase.”
In addition to the fashion and jewelry exhibitions, ‘Fashion Forward Dubai’ collaborates with d3 to produce “Fashion Talks,” a series of seminars carefully curated to support the fashion community, as well as provide opportunities for talent to obtain knowledge about issues pertinent to the local and international fashion industry. This season will include the following panelists: Farida Khelfa, Schiaparelli Ambassador and Filmmaker, designer Stella Jean, Jane Boddy, Director of Colour and Womenswear (WGSN), Noor Shawwa, Managing Director, Endeavor UAE, Sharmila Murat, General Manager, Chalhoub Group Retail, Alexandre Peraldi, Design Director, Baume et Mercier, Riccardo Vannetti, Tutorship Director, Pitti Immagine, Viola Vitello, Co-Founder, Apparel Network and Riccardo Vannetti, Tutorship Director.
The eclectic array of fashion creators, influencers, and leaders that promptly converge upon Dubai assuredly confirm the event has justifiably captured the attention and respect of the fashion industry. As the premiere date of the event approaches, the fashion industry awaits its debut in feverish anticipation: Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Forward Dubai has finally arrived.
