The high end affair of Arab Fashion Week SS23 returned this year in style, with luxury brands and designers from across the globe convening in Dubai for five days of breathtaking shows centred around ethical fashion and sustainability.
Jean Louis Sabaji x Barbie
DFW SS23 kicked off with a performance fashion show of Jean Louis Sabaji x Barbie. This collaboration brought about by the Arab Fashion Council (AFC) was a celebration of all things pink and joyful, whilst showcasing the strength and beauty of Arab women. Global superbrand Barbie was named Fashion Icon at last year’s Arab Fashion Week in Dubai. Lebanese actress Cynthia Samuel walked the SS23 show, donned in fabulous ensembles fresh from the new collection. The pieces designed by Jean Louis Sabaji centre around the theme of empowerment, with the designer taking inspiration for the black silhouettes from the heart shapes flamingos make with their necks. Barbie’s signature pink dominates in the unforgettable opening event of DFW SS23.
Images courtesy of arabfashionweek/Instagram
Rian Fernandez
Handcrafted luxury brand Rian Fernandez showcased an unreal ‘green dream’ collection for their SS23 line. Models floated down the runway in dazzling bejewelled floor-length gowns, with cuts similar to the ‘Roaring 20s’ era of designs, in a collection dominated by a green colour wheel.
Images courtesy of arabfashionweek/Instagram
Weinsanto
The brand’s fifth appearance at Dubai Fashion Week did not disappoint; designer and former ballet student Victor Weinsanto delivered an injection of edgy fashion meets streetwear, featuring layered, asymmetrical lacing and cuts, and use of specific materials and applique in a nod to the punk rock scene.
Yassmin Saleh
Made up of sister duo Yassmin and Farah Saleh, the brand takes on eco-conscious designs made up of floor-length bohemian-style dresses. Embedded within each collection are tattooed motifs that are not obvious to the viewer. The sisters wish to design pieces that are simply wearable art, reflecting important issues ongoing at the time of each showcase.
Slimi Studio
Slimi Studio delivered an unapologetically fierce collection, with asymmetric, cut-out spandex bodysuits, skirts and leotards, paired with oversized puffer jackets and pigmented in a captivating neon colour palette.
Images courtesy of arabfashionweek/Instagram
