• The Mrs.Keepa x CTRL + BLOCK presentation and panel session explored fashion as a form of expression, while NIF Global and London School of Trends showcased student designers
• THAT Concept Store marked five years with a curated womenswear showcase
• Saudi brand NARMA and London-based John Richmond made their DFW debut with collections that explored individuality and defied the status quo
• Global retailers explored latest trends and emerging talent at the DFW Buyers’ Programme, taking place in the showroom at Dubai Design District from 1–4 February

Dubai, UAE, 3 February 2026: Day two of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) opened with standout debuts, highlighting the region’s dynamic fashion landscape and reinforcing the event’s vision as an international platform for creativity and culture.

DFW, the region’s definitive fashion fixture, continues through 6 February, bringing together leading international and regional designers, industry leaders, and global media. The event is co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, reinforcing Dubai’s position at the forefront of the global fashion calendar.

Mrs.Keepa x CNTRL BLOCK

The Mrs. Keepa x CTRL + BLOCK presentation and panel took place yesterday as part of e&’s cultural initiative, exploring fashion as a tool for expression and authorship. During the presentation, Mrs.Keepa shared her creative perspective, followed by a panel discussion examining identity, choice and creativity in today’s digital culture. The session highlighted fashion not as product, but as a powerful medium for dialogue and cultural meaning.

NIF Global x London School of Trends

NIF Global, in collaboration with the London School of Trends, presented student collective collections at DFW, showcasing a compelling fusion of Indian artisanal heritage and contemporary global design. The runway highlighted handwoven textiles, traditional craftsmanship and modern silhouettes, brought to life on an international stage. The showcase underscored the power of cross-cultural collaboration and positioned emerging designers at the intersection of heritage, innovation, and global fashion dialogue.

THAT Concept Store

THAT Concept Store celebrated its five-year milestone with a curated womenswear showcase, marking a key moment in its journey as one of the region’s leading fashion destinations. Reflecting its signature curatorial approach - expressive and rooted in global luxury - the showcase featured a directional edit of international brands including Rabanne, Mugler and Magda Butrym, each selected for their bold design language and cultural relevance. More than a showcase, the moment underscored THAT Concept Store’s role as a cultural connector, bridging international fashion with the Middle East’s evolving style landscape.

NARMA

Saudi-based brand NARMA made its debut last night with a collection titled ‘The Agal’, presenting a contemporary reinterpretation of a cultural symbol through a feminine lens. Stepping away from traditional solemnity, the agal – headwear traditionally worn by Arab men - was transformed into sculptural, playful forms in soft pinks and whites, adorned with pearls, sequins and crystals. The collection framed femininity as expressive and light, allowing heritage to evolve through form, material and movement. With ‘The Agal’, NARMA positioned cultural symbols as living, evolving elements within modern fashion.

John Richmond

London-based John Richmond made a confident debut at DFW with ‘Viva Richmond!’, presenting the house’s creative legacy through a contemporary, music-driven lens. The runway showcased signature silhouettes, leather, studs and bold detailing, blending past and present with rock-infused sensuality and unapologetic attitude. ‘Viva Richmond!’ emphasised individuality, self-expression and the enduring relevance of the brand’s iconic visual language, while also embodying Creative Director John Richmond’s attitude, energy and individuality. Having dressed icons like David Bowie and Madonna, Richmond brought a London sensibility to Dubai, redefining luxury as culturally charged and emotionally resonant.

Running alongside the runway shows, the DFW Buyers’ Programme in the showroom at Dubai Design District from 1–4 February features a curated selection of designers, including Absent Findings, Autonomie, Bil Arabi, Blssd, Di Petsa, Dima Ayad, Dylanlex, Emergency Room, Ludovic de Saint Sernin,  Folklore The Label, I Am Active, John Richmond, L'Scarlett, Lama Jouni, Lili Blanc, Mrs Keepa, Narma, Port Tanger, Stolen Stores and Weinsanto, attracting retailers from across the globe.

DFW’s success is possible due to strategic partnerships with leading global brands, including SOUEAST as automotive partner, Dyson as the official hair technology partner, Kiko Milano as the official make-up partner and Delano Dubai as the official hospitality partner.  Meta is its main media partner. Electra and Magnum provide essential support as production and audio-visual partners, respectively. Additional support comes from Lucia Clinic for skincare services, Fiji Water as the hydration partner, The Lighthouse as food/lounge partner, and Etcetera for additional management services.

For the full DFW AW26/27 calendar, visit: www.dubaifashionweek.org and follow DFW on social:  

·       @dubaifashionweek  

·       @d3dubai

·       @arabfashioncouncil  

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