Highlights from The Italian Day at Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026

Dubai, UAE, 4 September 2025:Italian fashion excellence returned to Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) last night with ‘La Moda Italiana Vol. 2,’ which saw six of Italy’s most dynamic fashion houses present their collections on Dubai’s runway. The Italian Day in Dubai, on day three of the Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) edition of DFW, was presented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with DFW and in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The evening was attended by senior Italian delegates which included: Lorenzo Canara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE; Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy to the UAE; Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner; Antonio Franceschini, CNA Head of International Markets; and Gabriella Degano, Confartigianato Head of International Markets. They were welcomed to DFW by Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3) and Jacob Abrian, Founder and CEO of the Arab Fashion Council.

For The Italian Day in Dubai, ITA was also joined by Italian associations CNA and Confartigianato, highlighting Italy’s craftsmanship, creativity, and enduring influence in global fashion.

DFW, the region’s definitive fashion fixture, runs all week until 6 September. The event is co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council (AFC).

VALENTINA POLTRONIERI

Valentina Poltronieri unveiled her Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection, ‘Sculpted Simplicity’, a masterful exploration of contemporary tailoring and geometric form. Inspired by the abstractionist work of artist Chad Kouri, the collection balanced architectural volumes with fluid fabrics, turning each garment into a wearable sculpture. Warm, sophisticated hues ranging from Veil of Snow to Urban Indigo complemented meticulously structured silhouettes, while soft, luxurious fabrics melded elegance and comfort. With this collection, Poltronieri marked a new phase of creative maturity, blending intellectual minimalism with artisanal mastery, and offering the cosmopolitan, self-assured woman a vision of modern, sculpted beauty.

LE TWINS

LE TWINS presented their SS26 collection, ‘Good Morning, Good Evening’, a celebration of essential, effortless style designed to accompany women from morning to night. Blending relaxed tailoring with fluid, breathable fabrics like poplin, cotton lace, and viscose, the collection balanced comfort with elegance. Signature details such as contrasting piping and versatile silhouettes, from wide trousers to oversized shirts, added understated sophistication, while a warm, thoughtful colour palette of red, sand, white, and black evoked the rhythm of the day. Each piece was evidently designed with intention, inviting women to carry their story with ease and confidence.

GIL SANTUCCI

With the debut of its SS26 designs, Gil Santucci presented a bold and contemporary vision of femininity. The collection fused daring silhouettes with luxurious fabrics, showcasing the brand’s signature interplay of glamour and edge. With striking colours, fluid tailoring, and statement embellishments, each look exuded confidence while staying true to Santucci’s refined Italian craftsmanship.

D-EXTERIOR

D-Exterior’s SS26 collection was a poetic reinvention of its artisanal tradition. Handcrafted knitwear intertwined with sheer fabrics, delicate ruffles animated georgette, and fluid materials like organza and satin brought together a vision of lightness and femininity. The palette played with contrasts - earthy tones illuminated by bright accents, and fresh water-inspired shades balanced with rich textures. From macramé lace and ethnic prints to shimmering yarns and metallic details, the collection celebrated the fusion of craftsmanship with modern elegance, creating looks that were refined and boldly distinguished.

AVANT TOI

Avant Toi’s SS26 pre-collection unfolded as a poetic dialogue between 19th-century romanticism and contemporary experimentation. Ethereal chiffon dresses, silk satin draping, and raw-cut finishes reimagined historic silhouettes, while Chanel-style jackets and metallic-treated textures brought an edgy, modern touch. Botanical prints, raffia embroideries, and hand-painted surfaces evoked garments layered with history and imperfection, celebrating raw authenticity. With a palette of powdery pastels and earthy tones, the collection culminated in Home Garden - a sensory universe where nature inspired hand-embroidered florals, brushed linens, and tactile knits. The result was a refined yet fearless vision, where tradition and innovation converge.

BE NINA

BE Nina showcased its SS26 collection ‘Da Nonna Tina’, a whimsical ode to childhood memories and the enchanting chaos of a breezy afternoon at grandmother’s house. The collection reimagined nostalgia through voluminous wind-swept skirts, cat-ear hats, delicate crochet maid dresses, tailed jackets, and flowing linen bloomers - all crafted with vintage textiles and artisanal techniques. Playful yet poetic, each piece seemed suspended in motion, capturing the magic of life’s most unexpected and beautiful moments.

Off the runway, DFW hosted Threads Talks V4.0: Reframing Power and Influence in Fashion from Dubai to the World, a thought-provoking series of discussions presented in partnership with Meta, AFC and d3. The panels brought together leading voices from across the industry to explore Dubai’s growing position as a global fashion capital and its vital role in reshaping the creative sector.

DFW continues today with shows and presentations from:

- Mrs. Keepa
- Dima Ayad
- Benang Jarum
- Jozeph Diarbakerli
- XD Xenia
- Lama Jouni

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

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