Fashion fiends, take note: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is back. Kicking off the global fashion calendar, the second iteration of the event returns from Feb. 1-6, 2025, at Dubai Design District (d3). This six-day celebration of all things fashion will unveil the first Fall/Winter 2025 collections, with 25 regional and international designers taking center stage. While the full lineup is still under wraps, the event promises a standout guest of honor—past editions have hosted heavyweights like Roberto Cavalli and Carolina Herrera, setting the bar high.
Over the week, attendees can expect a packed schedule featuring ready-to-wear, couture, bridal, and event wear collections by way of runway shows, private presentations, and intimate dinners.
This year, DFW’s commitment to nurturing talent takes a leap forward with the introduction of a Buyers Programme, a game-changer for small and emerging labels. This initiative is designed to connect designers with international buyers, ensuring their work lands in the right hands—and markets. Applications for the programme are open until Dec. 22, with only the most innovative and market-ready brands making the cut. Successful applicants will be notified early in 2025, ready to showcase their vision on a global stage.
According to Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, this initiative marks a significant step for the region: “We want to empower these talented designers to thrive and grow by guiding them to make the right business connections with top international buyers. This is about driving sustainable business expansion and enhancing the global prominence of Arab fashion.”
DFW is as much about regional pride as it is about international flair. This year’s lineup will feature labels from the UAE, Indonesia, India, France, Russia, and the UK, alongside designers from Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, and Palestine.
Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, highlights DFW’s mission: “We continue our hard work and focus on nurturing incredible talent and look forward to bringing visionary designers and influential buyers together through our Buyers Programme. This platform has been created to foster not only creativity but also impactful business opportunities, supporting Dubai’s—and our region’s—evolving contribution to the global fashion space.”
With just months to go, the countdown is officially on.
