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As the sun set over the glamorous city of Dubai on October 13, 2023, the Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) continued to captivate fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. The fourth day of this premier fashion event, co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and Arab Fashion Council (AFC), brought forth a dazzling array of creativity, innovation, and style.
Let’s delve into the highlights of Day Four that unfolded on the runways of Dubai Fashion Week.
Day Four kicked off with a spectacular runway show by Graduate Fashion Week International, generously supported by FAD. This foundation plays a vital role in assisting budding talents as they make the transition from the world of education to the dynamic fashion industry. What makes this initiative truly exceptional is the patronage it enjoys from distinguished figures such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nick Knight, Victoria Beckham, and Nadja Swarovski.
Under their watchful guidance, the runway was transformed into a canvas of artistic expression. The designs showcased during this show transcended mere fashion; they ventured into the creative realms of exceptionally ambitious talents. The collection catered to both men and women and offered compelling features. From printed full-face covers that seamlessly blended with the models’ silhouettes to exaggerated ruffles, defined shoulder cuts, integrated denim, and striking spikes in bold colors, each piece exuded distinct individuality, amplifying the promise of continued creativity within the fashion industry.
BLSSD continued its creative journey by presenting “Not 2.0,” an extension of its groundbreaking collection from the previous year, aptly named “Not.” In true BLSSD fashion, this collection challenged conventional design by posing the question, “What are you not?” This collection melded elements of minimalism, glitz, and sporty aesthetics with audacious sophistication.
The key highlights were experimental textile manipulations, transparent layering, boundary-breaking fabric combinations, and eye-catching silhouettes. A departure from the traditional monochromatic palette was evident, introducing the color taupe, which added a touch of beautifully muted refinement to the collection. Each piece reaffirmed the brand’s distinctive visual identity, from parachute balloon dresses with billowing volume to tailored broad-shoulder blazers cinched at the waist with drawstrings. Cut-outs, mesh grids, crisscross patterns, and delicate organza further enhanced the versatility of the “Not 2.0” collection, encouraging the exploration of openness and authenticity in style.
Zeena Zaki, a name synonymous with elegance and sophistication, graced the runway with a mesmerizing collection. The vibrant array of colors, including short and maxi dresses, offered a rich variety for fashion enthusiasts.
This collection contains body-hugging silhouettes, and subtle sparkle mingled with layered textiles and metallic glitter, creating a truly mesmerizing effect. The beauty of mesh metallic outfits, long dresses with enticing peeks of skin, sleek black gowns with broad over-the-shoulder collars, and lace embellishments accentuating the female form was simply breathtaking. The collection also featured striking designs with beige under tulle and edgy elements that playfully accentuated the models’ femininity. Muted sunshine yellow, teal, and faded green made their appearances, while deep green and lilac exuded a sense of royalty with hypnotic fabric movements. To crown the collection, a wedding dress exuded grace and refinement, embracing the feminine form with refined elegance.
Dima Ayad, a Dubai-based Lebanese designer, maintained her infatuation with metallic elements in her latest collection. However, the delicate dance of metallic features is set apart in this collection amidst a symphony of other textiles, ultimately elevating simplicity to a realm of sophisticated sensuality.
The collection featured double-breasted blazers exuding a refined aura alongside soft ruffled chemises and a captivating interplay of delicate and daring polka dot prints. The designer’s vision also brought forth dresses boasting generous over-the-shoulder collars, a striking contrast to the sleek, long-sleeved elegant gowns, all elegantly paired with rose-hued metallic boots. The color palette chosen for this collection is a testament to its understated allure, with shades of black, white, beige, gold, and the occasional hint of pink infusing life into these deceptively simple yet undeniably eye-catching designs. This collection epitomizes a fusion of sensuality and sophistication that transcends the boundaries of fashion.
Dubai Fashion Week unveiled “Resilient Reflections,” a creative narrative in collaboration with OSIS, brought to life by Anomalous X SCHWARZKOPF. This collaboration introduced a captivating juxtaposition of designs, notably featuring dresses crafted from dry hair, embodying the fusion between textures and shapes.
The “Resilient Reflections” collection wove a narrative of emotional strength and sensitivity, showcasing a transformative journey from the fluidity of flowing fabrics to bold, glossy, and meticulously structured garments. The runway was adorned with a striking array of fashion, from sheer fabrics and cropped shirts to silk cargo pants. The collection encompassed an impressive variety of designs, ranging from intricate cut-outs to enigmatic face-covered looks. From tailored suits to elegant dresses, the runway became a fiesta of fabrics and designs, exemplifying the remarkable creative vision behind this collaboration.
As Day Four of Dubai Fashion Week unfolded, it became abundantly clear that this event was not just a showcase of fashion but a celebration of artistic expression, creativity, and innovation. The fashion industry continues to be pushed to new heights thanks to the visionary designers and emerging talents who graced the runways of this iconic event.
Stay tuned as Dubai Fashion Week continues with more captivating runway shows, including Domenico Orefice, supported by Polimoda, Slimi Studio, Viva Vox, and The Giving Movement. The first-ever Mega Showroom retail pop-up for buyers and the public also continues to offer a unique shopping experience in Building 11 at d3.