Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, launches its Spring/Summer 2025 edition today (September 1).

 

Kicking off a week-long celebration of season-defining trends and exclusive launches, DFW will reinforce the city’s status as a global fashion capital with a spotlight on established and emerging designers from around the world.

 

The first three days of the region’s definitive fashion showcase will focus on haute couture collections, starting with the designer duo to the stars Rizman Ruzaini on the opening day, followed by exclusive presentations from renowned Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez on September 2 and homegrown and d3-based fashion icon Mrs Keepa on September 3. 

 

Masterminded by French Egyptian designer Mariam Yeya, known for her avant-garde approach to fashion and innovative storytelling, Mrs Keepa will present the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Need Therapy, with an exclusive short film. Premiering in collaboration with VOX Cinemas, the film highlights the often-ignored realities we face in everyday life, reminding the audience that they are not alone. 

 

The haute couture segment of DFW will offer high fashion and personalised shopping experiences curated in partnership with leading retailers. The spotlight will then shift to ready-to-wear collections by over 30 brands from France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Palestine, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, including DFW members and new international and regional names.   

 

Roberto Cavalli

On September 6, world-famous Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli will close the Spring/Summer 2025 (SS 2025) runway sessions with a luxury collection exclusively edited for DFW. The final day will focus on private appointments and a buyers' market, providing an intimate setting for industry professionals to connect and collaborate.  

 

An exhibition on Italian excellence

DFW marks a significant milestone with the debut of "La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition." Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, this inaugural event will feature a three-day exhibition from 1 to 3 September, offering buyers and attendees a rare opportunity to explore fine Italian craftsmanship and fashion in a nod to the growing cultural and economic ties between Italy and the UAE. The exhibition will cover a range of fashion categories, with 25 carefully curated Italian brands showcasing clothing, footwear, leather goods, and eyewear. 

 

Expert-led panel discussions

Now in its third edition, Thread Talks 3.0 will bring together some of the most influential industry voices to discuss the future of fashion locally, regionally and globally. Scheduled for 4 September, this season’s exclusive panel discussion results from a dynamic collaboration between Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and DFW. Thread Talks 3.0 will dive into the challenges and opportunities emerging in the industry with insightful input from key thought leaders and buyers. 

 

Citywide experiences

DFW extends its immersive fashion experience beyond the runway, with brands organising private dinners for media and industry leaders. Highlights include private dinners, a buyers' lunch hosted by d3, a global hub for design and creativity by Tecom Group, an exclusive collection reveal and dinner by Bil Arabi, a private event by Swarovski, an industry roundtable hosted by Instagram, and a grand closing celebration hosted by Kiko Milano at The One and Only. 

These events provide great networking opportunities and a deeper connection to the fashion world. Joining DFW’s list of prestigious sponsors, Persil demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by underscoring the importance of fabric care in extending the life of garments. The relaunch of Persil Shampoo emphasises preserving the beauty and longevity of clothing and reducing the need for frequent replacements. This partnership represents a new era where fashion meets responsible consumption, aligning with DFW’s focus on enabling sustainable fashion. – TradeArabia News Service