Reflecting on a Week of Global Fashion Excellence: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) Highlights the Best of International Designers

Dubai, UAE, 15 February 2024: The global fashion industry converged at Dubai Design District (d3) once again last week for the third successful edition of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW). The Autumn/Winter 24/25 edition of DFW brought five days of full house runway shows by emerging and established designers, plus capsule launches, events, dinners, talks and networking opportunities. 

It yet again confirmed Dubai’s ambition and commitment to its spot on the international fashion calendar with numerous strategic advancements: the re-scheduling of the event to lead the global fashion calendar; the new, state-of-the-art venue for the event along d3’s waterfront; more shows and events spread out to new venues across the city; new DFW members and partners on board; and new designer-buyer collaborations and networking opportunities. The event attracted strong attendance from global buyers, media, celebrities and key fashion stakeholders.  

The latest edition also marks one year since the launch of DFW as Dubai’s official fashion week and the region’s definitive fashion fixture. The move – which saw DFW evolve from the 21 editions of the successful Arab Fashion Week and which took place every season from 2015 – provided further unity and critical B2B infrastructure to the Middle East’s fashion landscape and effective support for designers to secure new partnerships, investment and growth opportunities. The arrival of DFW on the international fashion calendar also further bolstered Dubai’s influence as a global fashion capital alongside New York, London, Paris and Milan. 

“Every edition of Dubai Fashion Week has made one message clear: if you’re in fashion, you must be in Dubai,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3.  

“In just one year, DFW has provided the regional fashion ecosystem with much needed legitimacy and structure, ensuring designers get the deserved returns on the time, money and effort invested in shows. Our platform evolves with each new edition, its visibility and network expanding organically and sustainably as the global creative industry recognises the network, reach and partnerships available through our emirate. The DFW Members board is growing with outstanding new talent who are successfully expanding their footprint in international markets and shaping the future of the regional and global industry. International designers, buyers and industry tastemakers are gaining confidence in DFW as a conduit for cutting-edge trends and strategic partnerships. DFW has proven that our emirate has the means, long-term vision and commitment to develop a fashion industry value chain that enables growth for all stakeholders, in line with the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of Arab Fashion Council, said: “I am elated by the success achieved in the Autumn/ Winter 24/25 edition of Dubai Fashion Week that united the fashion industry with the involvement and membership of the major retail groups in the region. This milestone not only mirrors the Arab Fashion Council’s strategic vision but also propels the creative economy of Dubai to new heights on the global stage. The strategic collaborations, innovative initiatives, and heightened impact contribute not only to the growth of our fashion industry but also serve as a beacon for Dubai's flourishing creative economy. Our commitment to shaping the future of fashion aligns seamlessly with Dubai's broader narrative of fostering creativity, innovation, and economic vibrancy.”

The Autumn/Winter 24/25 edition represented a conspicuous evolution in the platform’s visibility, impact and reach since its inaugural edition – and on the back of its rich legacy as Arab Fashion Week. More than 18 designers from Paris, London, Spain, Beirut, and the United Arab Emirates showcased innovative collections to buyers representing high-profile brands such as Michael Cinco and Adolfo Dominguez. From haute couture and evening wear to daily collections covering streetwear, apparel and Ramadan capsules, the event emphasised the breadth of trends emerging in the region and the creative and technical excellence of participating designers.

Standout moments included the Moroccan designer Maison Sara Chraibi making her DFW debut and presenting her Spring/Summer collection straight from Paris Haute Couture Week with additional designs added for the Dubai market.  In a groundbreaking collaboration with Sotheby’s, MRS. Keepa Studio SS 24 was unveiled, marking a significant chapter in the brand's journey. The highlight of the event was the introduction of the Bespoke and Couture Pret High-End section - MRS. KEEPA Studio which is the craftsmanship of Mrs Keepa's fearless embrace of the arts of design and colours. Moreover, Emergency Room’s AW24/25 collection was displayed in partnership with London-based technology company Nothing Phones, who further complemented the showcase with its unique Nothing Apparel lineup and latest technology products. Esteemed haute couture designer Zeena Zaki teamed up with Tryano, Abu Dhabi’s premier destination for luxury shopping, to unveil her Ramadan 2024 collection at the Palazzo Versace.

As an integral part of the DFW calendar, Bil Arabi by Nadine Kanso, in an exclusive collaboration with Bloomingdale’s, hosted on the first day of DFW an intimate dinner at KASPIA, providing the perfect setting to unveil their exclusive Valentine collection. ‘THAT NIGHT OUT’ served as the premier closing event. The evening started with a presentation of THAT Concept Store's selection of brands, showcasing the Spring/Summer 24 collections in-store at the Mall of the Emirates and various activations throughout the space. The evening concluded with an industry gathering and an exclusive after-party, to commemorate the closing of DFW. In between, Etro hosted an exclusive event at Dubai Opera, attended by celebrated figures across the creative and fashion sectors; in celebration of the new visual concept of its boutique in Dubai Mall.

Initiatives such as the Buyers Breakfast and Portfolio Review at d3 also allowed designers to showcase their creations in more intimate environments, fostering authentic connections and collaborations. The inspiring talks with THREADS and the THREADS Fashion Brunch also nurtured critical dialogue and collaboration.

This year, the DFW Members expanded with new names, adding regional icons BLSSD to the prestigious group. The DFW Members comprise the Designers Committee and are responsible for shaping the future of DFW and the industry, with new names on the roster contributing to building a more inclusive and far-reaching fashion ecosystem. The physical venue in d3, which served as the hub of all DFW activity, also grew in size and impact with a brand-new, purpose-built structure designed to welcome larger audiences and allow designers to exercise their full creative vision.

DFW was co-founded in February last year by d3, a global creative ecosystem by TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council. The success of DFW underscores the creativity and innovation thriving within Dubai’s fashion industry, particularly as consumers globally demand greater diversity. By promoting local, regional and global talent and fostering a vibrant fashion ecosystem, DFW continues to elevate Dubai’s status as a hub of creativity and cultural exchange and advance the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The latest Autumn/Winter 24/25 edition followed the highly successful Spring/Summer 24 edition, which saw the Creative Director of Carolina Herrera in Dubai to unveil a special collection for the region and global supermodel and icon Naomi Campbell close the runway shows.

Dubai Fashion Week is possible due to the generosity, commitment and contributions of its strategic partners: Air France as the official aviation partner; Meta as the official media partner; Microsoft as the official tech partner; Nothing as the official mobile partner; Kiko Milano as the official makeup partner; Schwarzkopf Professional as the official haircare partner; Palazzo Versace as the official hospitality partner; Bold Management as the official talent management partner; Electra as the production partner; and Eira Water as the official hydration partner.

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