It’s the time of the year when Dubai’s fashion pack is out in full force. The city’s most glamorous socialites sit front row, not a hair out of place or a single chipped nail in sight, clad in pieces straight off the runway of the regions’ leading designers. Held bi-annually at Dubai Design District, Fashion Forward Dubai presents the most extravagant of runway shows and presentations, proudly supporting the Middle East’s leading talent.
FFWD returned last month for its 8th season, showcasing the best of couture and ready-to-wear. October’s shows welcomed a variety of trends, with Dima Ayad’s collection embodying romance through delicate shades of dusty pink juxtaposed against midnight blue tones and Orkalia playing with flirty florals and army prints. House of Hashe, another favorite among Dubai’s fashion circle, showcased crisp whites in the form of structured dresses and tailored trousers. The brand played upon the city’s class and glamour, incorporating a mix of pastel colors as well as navy.
With ready-to-wear aside, no season of FFWD is complete without runway shows by world-renowned couture designers Ezra Santos and Furne Amato. As always, Ezra couture surpassed expectations with stunning gowns, each embroidered and embellished with delicate French beads, transparent Swarovski crystals and pearls. Similarly, Amato Couture stunned with a palette of beige and khaki tones, using the desert as inspiration. Each gown painted a picture of desolate landscapes, embracing the natural beauty of sand dunes and cacti.
House of Nomad, co-founded by Ahmed El-Sayed and Saleh Al-Banna, showcased a glamorous mix between sports-lux and daytime elegance. With powder blue tones juxtaposed with canary yellow and navy, the Spring/Summer 17 collection was undoubtedly another favorite of the season.
FFWD will be back again for its 9th season in April 2017.
