The first official Dubai Fashion Week, formerly known as Arab Fashion Week (AFS) has concluded recently at Dubai Design District (d3) recording a 55% growth in RSVPs compared to AFS held in March 2022.

The global event, which is supported by d3, a member of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, was one of the most popular in many years.

Runway shows and events saw a full house each night, with buyers and designers from the major global fashion capitals out in full force.

“Dubai Fashion Week was a spectacular way to debut Dubai as the fifth global fashion capital,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group.

“Designers demonstrated the highest calibre of creativity and craftsmanship throughout the week. As a global creative platform, we at d3 are thrilled to see Dubai help shape the global creative dialogue. Not only did DFW provide regional and international talent a gateway to new partnerships, markets, and opportunities, but it also answered a global call for inclusivity and diversity in the fashion world. This was possible thanks to Dubai’s multicultural melting pot and commitment to nurturing the creative economy.”

Evolving from the successful Arab Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week is Dubai’s new definitive fashion fixture and part of the city’s bid to become the fifth fashion capital destination – alongside Paris, New York, London and Milan.

The event that became part of the international fashion week calendar debuted with the city and region’s most dynamic runways and programme yet spread across six days. A range of over 45 shows, presentations and events took place on the Fashion Calendar. Some 28 designers from more than 10 countries showcased their Autumn Winter 23/24 and Women’s Haute Couture 2023 collections.

Jacob Abrian, Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, said: “The new Dubai Fashion Week is off to a great start. We have already surpassed the momentum gained during Arab Fashion Week, if the packed shows and positive response from talent, buyers and audiences alike are anything to go by. We are already working with d3 to ensure that the next edition raises the bar further and establishing Dubai as a core contributor to the global fashion dialogue.”

Along with custom-built, flexible structures for the event, Dubai Fashion Week took place in unique, alfresco surroundings – including the basketball court and skate park at The Block at d3. Exclusive events also took place across the city as part of the vision to broaden the reach of Dubai Fashion Week and unite the city and region’s fashion scene.

Fashion partners added to the hype with a host of invite-only experiences. Emergency Room and Byhpe held exclusive after parties, while Dubai Fashion Week member designer Hussein Bazaza held an intimate fashion presentation and party.

Ferragamo hosted a Styling Masterclass event with Lana Qatramiz and Gaelle Hojeily at Dubai Mall Boutique celebrating the SS23 collection launch; Level Shoes collaborated with Gallery Collectional to launch their new in-store personal shopping services, By Appointment: Where Fashion Meets Design, and the Stella McCartney label invited guests to a private preview and workshop for the limited-edition Emerald Capsule Collection for Ramadan.

Etoile La Boutique hosted a private lunch to discover Serena handbags and there was a special buyers’ dinner at Caviar Kaspia in celebration of the first edition of Dubai Fashion Week.  – TradeArabia News Service