Dubai has been added as part of the official international Fashion Week calendar, joining major cities such as New York, Milan, Paris, and London, in a bold move to establish the tiny emirate as a global fashion capital. Scheduled to take place from March 10-15, the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) will unfold just a couple of days after the last Paris Fashion Week showcase on March 7.
“Where there was Paris, Milan, London, and New York, there is now Dubai,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group.
“From economic activity to tourism and creativity, Dubai has carved its own space among the world’s cosmopolitan capitals, and fashion is one industry boosting its status. All eyes are on the Middle East for fashion and creativity, and now the sky is the limit. Dubai has the vision, ambition and innovation to elevate the impact and reach of creatives globally,” she continued in a released statement.
The upcoming event, which evolved from Arab Fashion Week, is set to spotlight Fall and Spring collections by emerging and established designers from around the world, and will feature Men’s and Women’s ready-to-wear, as well as couture collections. It’s not yet known which designers will be showcasing their works, however, details about the inaugural edition will be revealed closer to the date.
Dubai has already established itself as the region’s fashion capital, and is now looking to make a name for itself on the global creative stage. “Our region’s fashion industry is entering a new chapter as we become increasingly active contributors to the global fashion narrative,” shared Jacob Abrian, CEO of the Arab Fashion Council.
Echoing on his statement, Serge Carreira, Head Emerging Brands Initiative, Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode said: “Over the last years, Dubai became one of the most dynamic places for arts and creative industries… I strongly believe that Dubai has now the capacity to become a global fashion hub addressing today’s questions of sustainability, technology and diversity.”
Dubai Fashion Week will build upon the many milestones of Arab Fashion Week which, over seven years and 21 editions, include working with an array of prestigious and international partners, launching the first menswear fashion week in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, appointing the region’s first curvy model Ameni Esseibi on the runway, and attracting industry icons from around the globe.
