Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is officially underway, having kicked off on Sept. 1 and expected to run until Sept. 6. Bringing together an exciting lineup of regional and international brands, this latest edition, once again, has managed to draw designers in from all four corners of the globe to showcase their most recent works at Dubai Design District (D3), the home of DFW since its major rebranding in 2023. As the city continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading fashion hub in the Arab world and an increasingly influential player on the global sartorial stage, here’s a look back at some of the standout moments from DFW’s opening day.
Rizman Ruzaini
Kicking off the week-long celebration of fashion, Malaysian label Rizman Ruzaini unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Rimba, while also celebrating its 20th anniversary. Drawing inspiration from Southeast Asia’s rainforests, the new line was drenched in lush greens and earthy tones accented with intricate embroidery that mirrored the textures of the designer’s native Malaysia.
Heba Jasmi
Picking up the torch, Emirati designer Heba Jasmi brought her signature blend of strength and softness to the runway with her Born to Rise collection. The looks moved between fluid silhouettes and razor-sharp tailoring, proving that power doesn’t always have to shout. In shades of gold, desert coral, mint jade, and midnight navy, the pieces felt both rooted in Arab heritage and perfectly in tune with a global couture audience.
Krésha Bajaj
Indian designer Krésha Bajaj made her much-anticipated international runway debut with The Archive of Hidden Things. Known for bridal and eveningwear, Bajaj reimagined her signature style in a ready-to-wear collection that explored themes of concealment, expression, and empowerment. Presented in three chapters — Revelation, Obsession, and Liberation — the new line blended soft, fluid silhouettes with bold, sculptural forms in shades of blush, charcoal, antique gold, and burnished copper. Staying true to her ethos of slow, sustainable design, Bajaj highlighted small-batch production, responsibly sourced fabrics, and even accessories repurposed from fabric remnants — a thoughtful close to DFW’s opening day.