Dubai Fashion Week Kicks Off Spring/Summer 2026 Programme Tonight

Dubai, UAE, 1 September 2025: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), the city’s official fashion week co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, launches its Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) edition tonight. Leading the global fashion calendar and reinforcing the city’s status as a global fashion capital, DFW will present a week-long celebration of season-defining trends, exclusive launches, and industry exchange, with a spotlight on established and emerging designers from around the world.

The week begins tonight with an opening show from Malaysian couture brand Rizman Ruzaini followed by a presentation from Dubai-based Heba Jasmi. The programme continues with a debut by Krèsha Bajaj (India), who is known for her intricately detailed couture. UAE-based FLTRD, Erick Bendaña (Nicaragua), and Fioletowy (Poland), each then follow tomorrow bringing fresh perspectives to the runway. Evening showcases from Chic & Holland (Netherlands) and Maison Novague (Germany) will further highlight the diversity of global design talent presented.

On Wednesday there is a special spotlight on Italy with The Italian Day in Dubai. La Moda Italiana Vol II, presented in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), will see runway presentations from Valentina Poltronieri, Le Twins, Cose di Maglia, Gil Santucci, Avant Toi, and Be Nina. DFW Members are set to bring further depth to the calendar, with Mrs. Keepa and Dima Ayad each unveiling exclusive showcases, and Lama Jouni presenting her latest collection on the runway. Weinsanto, in collaboration with La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), and Lili Blanc will also present their collections.

The SS26 programme will also feature Benang Jarum, Nada Puspita, Jozeph Diarbakerli, and XD Xenia Design, while That Concept Store, Buttonscarves, and Otté introduce bold new perspectives. Jasper Conran, Tara Babylon, FADTalents | FAD Institute, and Emergency Room x Timberland will also showcase their collections before the week closes with Les Benjamins, a Correspondent Member of DFW.

Expert-led panel discussions

Now in its fourth edition, Threads Talks V4.0 will take place on 3 September, bringing together influential industry voices to explore the shifting dynamics of power and influence in fashion from Dubai to the world. Presented in partnership with Meta, the Arab Fashion Council, and d3, this season’s programme will feature exclusive panel discussions with leading experts, creators, and innovators, offering fresh perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping the global fashion landscape.

City-wide events

DFW will extends its influence beyond the runway, with a series of exclusive citywide activations that bring together fashion, media, and culture in intimate and immersive settings. This season’s highlights will include an exclusive launch by Dyson at d3, a private collaboration celebration with ITA x Level Shoes, and a glamorous evening at the Etoile La Boutique Party. Refined gatherings, such as the Outsiders Perspective Dinner hosted by Jamie Gill and other curated activations, create dynamic platforms for networking and collaboration within the city’s fashion community.

The week will also feature the highly anticipated Michael Cinco x SOUEAST Launch Ceremony, attended by global executives and partners, and will culminate in an intimate celebratory dinner by Lili Blanc, hosted by Creative Director Sabrina Mouhieddine in honour of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Together, these experiences expand the reach of DFW into the heart of the city, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global capital of creativity and cultural exchange.

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 Waldorf Astoria as the official hospitality partner. The Italian Trade Agency is DFW’s main trade partner, and Meta is its main media partner. Electra and Magnum provide essential support as the production and audio-visual partners, respectively. Additional support comes from OHVU for management services, Fiji Water as the hydration partner, Grow Healthy Food for catering, and Etcetera for additional management services.

To register and for the full schedule and more information, please visit: www.dubaifashionweek.ae/calendar.

@dubaifashionweek

@d3dubai

@arabfashioncouncil