Operating from September 1 to six, 2025, is greater than only a sequence of runway exhibits—it’s Dubai’s declaration of intent to the worldwide luxurious style {industry}. Strategically positioned on the very begin of the worldwide style calendar, DFW units the stage earlier than New York, London, Milan, and Paris take over. This season’s opening underscored Dubai’s distinctive proposition: a metropolis the place heritage, innovation, and international ambition converge.
From Arab Vogue Week to World Establishment
DFW’s roots lie in Arab Vogue Week, launched in 2015 by the Arab Vogue Council (AFC). The imaginative and prescient of Jacob Abrian, who based AFC on the age of twenty-two, was to place Arab creativity on the world stage. In 2023, the collaboration between the AFC and Dubai Design District (d3) gave beginning to the rebranded Dubai Vogue Week—an occasion designed to rival the Massive 4. Right now, d3 is dwelling to greater than 1,100 artistic companies and has grow to be the pure dwelling for an occasion of this scale.
The technique is obvious: make Dubai the style capital of the Center East and a world style hub. With The Patrons Programme, unique {industry} dinners, and initiatives like Vogue Futures, DFW ensures designers usually are not simply seen—they’re related to worldwide markets, press, and consumers.
Rising Developments and Themes for SS26
DFW is rapidly turning into a barometer for what’s subsequent in luxurious. Key themes thus far:
- Sustainability redefined: Upcycled materials, eco-conscious processes, and innovation (TOTON’s batik and paper clay artistry, designers like Fioletowy Studio using eco-friendly silks and upcycled supplies).
- Cultural fusion: Japanese heritage assembly Western glamour, as seen in Rizman Ruzaini’s modernization of Malaysian batik with couture drama.
- Empowered femininity: Structured silhouettes, jewel tones, and architectural tailoring, seen in Zeena Zaki’s and Heba Jasmi’s work, and likewise in Stylish & Holland’s regal robes.
- Inclusivity: With 40% of designers hailing from rising markets, comparable to Southeast Asia and Central America (in line with AFC reviews), DFW is positioning itself as a real trendsetter for international variety.
Key Initiatives Driving Progress
- The Patrons Programme: Over 200 international consumers from Harrods to Neiman Marcus, producing $15M in orders final season.
- Vogue Futures (Sept 4–5): Panels on AI, sustainability, and digital style.
- SOUEAST Sponsorship: Electrical autos showcased alongside couture—an alignment with Dubai’s 2030 sustainability targets.
- The Italian Commerce Company’s “Italian Day” on September 3 boosted UAE-Italy commerce, with Italian style exports to the UAE up 18.8% in 2025 to €620 million.
Collectively, these initiatives reinforce Dubai’s function as a bridge between creativity and commerce.
The Progress Story: A First Cease for World Vogue
What makes DFW stand out? Its inclusivity and globalism. Designers from Malaysia to Lebanon, India to Italy, Indonesia to Poland present alongside homegrown skills. Couture names like Michael Cinco and Manish Malhotra carry headline enchantment, whereas rising voices discover a world platform. For a lot of, it’s not nearly exhibiting collections—it’s about tapping into Dubai’s distinctive mix of luxurious customers, retail innovation, and cultural change.
By going down forward of New York, Dubai has cleverly positioned itself as the primary phrase within the international model dialog.
Financial Affect and World Attain
DFW contributes over $100 million yearly to Dubai’s financial system by tourism and retail, with 50,000+ attendees anticipated this season (a 20% improve from 2024). It attracts consumers from 50 nations, boosting exports for regional designers by 30%, per d3 stats. Movie star sightings thus far embrace influencers like Karen Wazen and Bollywood stars, amplifying social media attain—#DFWSS26 has over 1 million impressions on platforms like Instagram and X within the first two days.
Day One: Setting the Stage
The Spring/Summer time 2026 version opened with a spectacular show of variety and cultural storytelling:
- Rizman Ruzaini paid homage to Malaysian heritage with Mustika—a love letter to the kebaya and batik, modernized with intricate embroidery and couture drama. Truly titled “RIMBA,” the gathering drew from Southeast Asian rainforests, that includes flora-fauna motifs worn by international icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna in previous designs.
- Adopted by Heba Jasmi’s “Born to Rise,” redefining femininity with architectural class.
- Krésha Bajaj’s worldwide debut, “The Archive of Hidden Issues,” blends Gothic structure and surrealist motifs in ready-to-wear couture.
- Amjad Khalil unveiled Past Black, a deeply private assortment that explores transformation by sculptural silhouettes that merge shadow and lightweight.
- Erick Bendaña showcased Nicaraguan artistry, that includes prints, cultural motifs, and daring eveningwear that celebrated Central American identification.
- Angelo Estera closed with a present weaving influences from the Far East to the Sahara, a multicultural tapestry of wealthy textures and desert-inspired tones.
The takeaway? Day One was a manifesto: DFW doesn’t simply host exhibits, it celebrates cultural roots whereas pushing forward-looking design.
Day Two: Energy, Femininity, and Sustainability
On September 2, a various lineup showcased international expertise:
- FLTRD (ARAD and I AM): Opened with a daring showcase of rising Center Japanese expertise, emphasizing creativity and self-expression.
- Erick Bendaña (The Solar and The Moon): A celestial couture assortment mixing Nicaraguan heritage with golden robes and silver cosmic spirals, enriched by Panamanian jeweler Michelle Ferrer.
- Fioletowy Studio (Elevation): Debuted a 30-look silk assortment handcrafted in India, with Lisa Haydon because the showstopper, impressed by staircases and sustainable practices.
- Stylish & Holland (300 Hours): Dutch couture with crystal-embellished robes and baroque-inspired silhouettes, reflecting regal luxurious.
- Maison Novague (L’Écriture du Corps): A poetic assortment in ivory, gold, and scarlet, celebrating femininity by fluid silks and structured types.
Day Two showcased DFW’s twin identification, the place luxurious craftsmanship meets sustainability and cultural richness.
Day Three: Italian Class and World Innovation
Day 3 (September 3) marked a excessive level with “Italian Day,” a celebration of Italian craftsmanship offered by the Italian Commerce Company (ITA), alongside various international skills, showcasing DFW’s function as a cultural bridge:
- Valentina Poltronieri: Unveiled a vibrant SS26 assortment mixing daring colours and avant-garde silhouettes, emphasizing Italian artisanal strategies with a contemporary edge.
- Le Twins: Offered a playful but subtle ready-to-wear assortment, mixing streetwear influences with Italian tailoring, celebrating youthful power.
- D-Exterior: Showcased smooth, minimalist designs with luxurious textures, reflecting Italy’s timeless class and up to date aptitude.
- Gil Santucci: Delivered intricate couture items with delicate embroidery, drawing on Italian heritage to create romantic, ethereal seems.
- Avant Toi: Featured experimental knitwear with distressed textures and daring coloration palettes, pushing boundaries of Italian craftsmanship.
- Be Nina: Closed the Italian Day exhibits with female, flowy designs infused with vibrant prints, embodying Italian sophistication with international enchantment.
- Anomalous: Futuristic designs with metallic accents, mixing Center Japanese and sci-fi aesthetics.
- Aavva: Daring, architectural silhouettes with intricate beadwork, reflecting Dubai’s fashionable luxurious.
- Dhruv Kapoor: Gender-fluid designs merging Indian craftsmanship with up to date streetwear.
Day Three bolstered DFW’s function as a cultural bridge, uniting Italian craftsmanship with international innovation.
Day 4: Heritage, Energy, and Fashionable Femininity (September 4, 2025)
Day 4 featured seven designers, mixing international views with individuality, power, and architectural class, with a give attention to conventional motifs and up to date silhouettes. Excessive-profile friends included H.E. Husin Bagis, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE. Off-runway, The Outsiders Perspective dinner, hosted by Jamie Gill, related influencers and consumers, fostering B2B alternatives.
- Mrs. Keepa (Malaysia): Opened with The Getaway at Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, that includes crochet textures, fluid tailoring, mushroom and botanical motifs, earthy tones, and iridescent accents. Relaxed attire and tailor-made separates symbolized escapism and self-expression.
- Dima Ayad (Lebanon): Showcased at Skooni, a body-positive assortment with fluid silhouettes, metallic sheens, and dramatic draping, emphasizing inclusivity and fashionable femininity by versatile robes and structured tops.
- Benang Jarum (Indonesia): Debuted Opulent Bloom, reimagining florals as symbols of energy with flowing silhouettes, intricate detailing, and jewel tones, highlighting Indonesian craftsmanship.
- Nada Puspita (Indonesia): Offered Lace Poem, exploring delicate but robust types by lace, vibrant colours (mustard yellow, burgundy, blue, pinks), and textured layers, balancing fragility and resilience.
- Jozeph Diarbakrli (Lebanon): Debuted a Hollywood-inspired assortment honoring iconic ladies, with structured suiting, glowing materials, and daring silhouettes evoking diva glamour.
- XD Xenia Design (Croatia): Showcased XD Couture: The Artwork of Making Garments, impressed by Kintsugi, with sculptural silhouettes, exaggerated sleeves, sheer organza, and a impartial palette accented by jewel tones, symbolizing magnificence in imperfection.
- Lama Jouni (Lebanon): Closed with a minimalist assortment merging utilitarian streetwear and luxe components, that includes a monochrome palette, stylish attire, and tailor-made items for the trendy lady.
Day 4 generated $5 million in preliminary purchaser orders by way of The Patrons Programme, reinforcing DFW’s business impression.
Day 5: Innovation, Modest Luxurious, and Rising Skills (September 5, 2025)
Day 5 shifted towards quiet luxurious, cultural heritage, and future-forward design, that includes six showcases that spotlighted modest style and youth innovation. Over 20 rising skills from FAD Institute stole the highlight, whereas established names introduced sophistication. A spotlight was the launch of Michael Cinco’s collaboration with SOUEAST, unveiling a customized artwork automotive mixing couture aesthetics with sustainable automotive design—symbolizing DFW’s cross-industry push. The day drew consumers from Harrods and Saks, emphasizing business viability.
- THAT Idea Retailer (UAE): Opened with a daring FW25 ladies’s ready-to-wear showcase (previewing into SS26 traits), that includes sculptural balloon silhouettes, reimagined denim, fluid material, fringe particulars, and autumnal tones. Assertion equipment and modern materials highlighted individuality, positioning it as a hub for up to date luxurious.
- Buttonscarves (UAE): Unveiled Lucent Nightfall, a luxurious modest style assortment in muted palettes with satin, jacquard, tweed, cotton, and organza. Intricate beadwork and outsized baggage outlined the seems, specializing in elegant, versatile hijabs and abayas that mix custom with fashionable wearability.
- Otté (UAE): Offered SS26 quiet luxurious with clear, relaxed silhouettes in timeless neutrals, crafted from luxurious materials like silk and linen. The gathering emphasised understated confidence by minimalist attire and separates, interesting to a world modest style viewers.
- Jasper Conran London (UK): Showcased SS25 (bridging to SS26) with timeless class—tailor-made attire, daring colours, and complex equipment. Craftsmanship shone in structured robes and eveningwear, mixing British heritage with Dubai’s opulent vibe for red-carpet enchantment.
- Tara Babylon (Iraq/UK): Debuted SS26 ready-to-wear with cultural storytelling, that includes hand-painted florals, watercolor prints in Center Japanese blues, and a couture capsule with Babylonian embroidery. Themes of heritage and femininity have been evident in flowing kaftans and embroidered jackets, celebrating historic motifs in fashionable contexts.
- FAD Institute (UAE, Rising Skills): Closed with an inspiring runway of over 20 budding designers’ modern ready-to-wear and prêt-à-porter. Collections explored heritage (e.g., embroidered Arabesque patterns), structure (geometric constructions), and surrealism (asymmetrical types), utilizing experimental strategies like 3D printing and upcycled materials. Standouts included sustainable items from UAE-based skills, signaling the subsequent era of Center Japanese style.
At the present time underscored sustainability, with 50% of collections incorporating eco-materials, aligning with Dubai’s net-zero targets.
Day Six: Theatrical Closure and Cultural Storytelling (September 6, 2025)
The ultimate day featured 4 high-energy exhibits, specializing in empowerment, avant-garde playfulness, and East-West dialogues, attracting worldwide press and consumers. Les Benjamins’ present generated essentially the most social media traction, closing the week with a cultural crescendo.
- Lili Blanc (Spain/UAE): Opened with She Boss Aura, honoring ladies’s independence by structured but fluid designs in crepe, silk, organza, and mikado, contrasted with sequins, denim, and vegan leather-based in black, off-white, silver, pink, and deep blue, emphasizing fashionable boss-lady class.
- Weinsanto (France): Supported by La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the model offered SS25 (SS26 preview) with theatrical aptitude, that includes avant-garde silhouettes, daring textures (feathers, metallics), and vibrant colours, all whereas celebrating individuality.
- Emergency Room (Lebanon): Collaborated with Timberland for SS25, reimagining classics just like the Unique Yellow Boot with an city edge, using leather-based and suede with streetwear accents to advertise sustainable, versatile footwear.
- Les Benjamins (Turkey/UAE): Closed with El Gringo, a streetwear masterpiece that explores East-West cultural change from a Close to Japanese perspective in Mexico. Impressed by proto-Turkish migrations, Frida Kahlo, and Chavela Vargas, the gathering featured geometric patterns that linked Anatolian kilims and Navajo blankets, together with relaxed trousers, fringed jackets, and beadwork in desert palm and galaxy blue. The VEyasin soundtrack blended hip-hop and Anatolian funk, amplifying themes of migration and identification.
Day Six secured $2 million in export offers for Les Benjamins, contributing to DFW’s financial impression of over $100 million.
Why Dubai Vogue Week Issues
DFW is a world contender, not a regional curiosity. With consumers from 50 nations, heritage homes, and press protection, it’s the Center East’s reply to the Massive 4. For luxurious style, this implies:
- A bridge between East and West in aesthetics and market attain.
- A showcase of sustainability and cultural heritage as central narratives.
- A platform for regional designers to realize international publicity.
How you can Interact with DFW
Watch reside streams on dubaifashionweek.org or @dubaifashionweek on Instagram. Tickets for public exhibits begin at AED 200; purchaser/press accreditation is free by way of software. Pop-up shops at D3 provide unique items from designers comparable to Fioletowy Studio, Dima Ayad, and Manish Malhotra. The Italian Commerce Company and Stage Sneakers exhibition (September 2–6) showcased Italian craftsmanship, open to the general public.
As Days 1 by 6 have proven, DFW fearlessly fuses heritage with excessive glamour, sustainability with spectacle, with Malhotra’s finale epitomizing this mix. It’s a must-watch on the September calendar—a reminder that the way forward for style is formed not solely by Paris or Milan, however by a metropolis that masters reinvention.
For The Luxurious Closet neighborhood of consumers and collectors, Dubai Vogue Week is greater than a showcase—it’s a preview of tomorrow’s most coveted items. The runway units the tone for silhouettes, materials, and design tales that may quickly form the resale market. From Manish Malhotra’s couture masterpieces to TOTON’s sustainable improvements, DFW proves that pre-owned luxurious isn’t just concerning the previous—it’s about staying forward of the curve.
✨ Store the runway’s affect now. Discover Dubai-inspired traits and timeless luxurious at costs you’ll love—solely at The Luxurious Closet.
Subsequent cease: New York. However right now, Dubai has already outlined what’s subsequent—and you may personal it first.
Sources:
https://dubaifashionweek.org/
https://dubaiprhub.com/italian-fashion-highlights-from-dfw-spring-summer-2026/
https://tecomgroup.ae/press-release-dubai-fashion-week-kicks-off-spring-summer-2026-programme-tonight.html
https://dubaidesigndistrict.com/media/press-releases/la-moda-italiana-vol-ii-to-take-centre-stage-at-dubai-fashion-week-with-the-italian-day-in-dubai
https://kendam.com/pictures/album/vvkw_yckcjamfv
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOYiCFFDFbM/
FAQs
-
When is Dubai Vogue Week SS26?
Dubai Vogue Week SS26 begins from September 1 to six, 2025, on the Dubai Design District (d3). It’s the primary occasion on the worldwide style calendar, previous New York Vogue Week.
-
Who’re the designers at Dubai Vogue Week SS26?
Key individuals embrace Rizman Ruzaini (Malaysia), Heba Jasmi (Dubai), Krésha Bajaj (India), Erick Bendaña (Nicaragua), TOTON (Indonesia), Michael Cinco (Philippines), Manish Malhotra (India), Zeena Zaki (Iraq), and Italian homes for “Italian Day” like these from La Moda Italiana—over 25 manufacturers from 15+ nations.
-
What’s the full schedule for Dubai Vogue Week SS26?
Day 1 (Sept 1): Rizman Ruzaini (7 PM), Heba Jasmi (8 PM), Krésha Bajaj (9 PM).
Day 2 (September 2): FLTRD (4 PM), Erick Bendaña (6 PM), Fioletowy (7 PM), Stylish & Holland (8 PM), Maison Novague (9 PM).
Day 3 (September 3): Valentina Poltronieri, Le Twins, D-Exterior, Gil Santucci, Avant Toi, Be Nina, Anomalous, Aavva, Dhruv Kapoor.
Day 4 (September 4): Mrs. Keepa, Dima Ayad, Benang Jarum, Nada Puspita, Jozeph Diarbakrli, XD Xenia Design, Lama Jouni.
Day 5 (September 5): THAT Idea Retailer, Buttonscarves, Otté, Jasper Conran London, Tara Babylon, Manish Malhotra.
Day 6 (September 6): Lili Blanc, Weinsanto, Emergency Room, Les Benjamins.
#See dubaifashionweek.org/calendar.
-
How can I attend Dubai Vogue Week 2025?
Register for visitor accreditation on dubaifashionweek.org. Public tickets for choose exhibits begin at AED 200; consumers and press get free entry by way of software. Digital viewing is accessible by way of reside streams on the official website and Instagram.
-
Is Dubai Vogue Week free to attend?
Most runway exhibits require invites or paid tickets (AED 200–500), however pop-ups and panels at d3 are sometimes freed from cost. Customer passes for {industry} occasions could also be complimentary for certified attendees.
-
How you can watch Dubai Vogue Week reside on-line?
Stream exhibits on dubaifashionweek.org, YouTube, or Instagram (@dubaifashionweek). Highlights are shared on #DFWSS26 throughout social media.
-
What are the highlights of Manish Malhotra’s Dubai Vogue Week SS26 assortment?
Manish Malhotra’s The World Assortment: Dubai on Day 5 featured Indian craftsmanship with international silhouettes, reimagining pantsuits with sharp shoulders, fluid materials, and shimmering elaborations in jewel tones. Flooring-length robes and complicated embroidery, showcased by Malaika Arora, celebrated Indian couture and Arabic influences, securing $3 million in export offers.
-
What are the highlights of Dubai Vogue Week SS26 Day 4?
Mrs. Keepa’s The Getaway with crochet textures, Dima Ayad’s inclusive silhouettes, Benang Jarum’s Opulent Bloom, Nada Puspita’s Lace Poem, Jozeph Diarbakrli’s Hollywood-inspired glamour, XD Xenia Design’s Kintsugi-inspired couture, and Lama Jouni’s minimalist streetwear.
-
What are the highlights of Dubai Vogue Week SS26 Day 5?
Manish Malhotra’s grand finale, THAT Idea Retailer’s sculptural designs, Buttonscarves’ modest luxurious, Otté’s minimalist class, Jasper Conran’s tailor-made robes, and Tara Babylon’s Babylonian-inspired prints, with a Michael Cinco-SOUEAST artwork automotive collaboration.
-
What are the highlights of Dubai Vogue Week SS26 Day 6?
Lili Blanc’s She Boss Aura, Weinsanto’s theatrical silhouettes, Emergency Room’s Timberland collaboration, and Les Benjamins’ El Gringo discover East-West cultural change with geometric patterns and daring streetwear.
-
What’s “Italian Day” at Dubai Vogue Week?
On September 3, six Italian homes (e.g., Valentina Poltronieri, Le Twins) showcased SS26 collections by way of La Moda Italiana, highlighting Italy’s 16% UAE style market share.
-
Are there sustainability initiatives at DFW SS26?
Fioletowy Studio makes use of eco-friendly silks, and SOUEAST’s electrical car sponsorship aligns with Dubai’s net-zero targets. AFC panels promote sustainable provide chains.
-
Who based Dubai Vogue Week?
Co-founded by the Arab Vogue Council (led by Jacob Abrian) and Dubai Design District in 2023, evolving from Arab Vogue Week (2015). It goals to place Dubai as a world style hub.
-
What makes Dubai Vogue Week totally different from different style weeks?
It’s the Center East’s premier occasion, specializing in East-West fusion, sustainability, and inclusivity for rising designers. In contrast to Paris or Milan, it marks the start of the worldwide style season, seamlessly integrating cultural heritage with luxurious, and attracting a various vary of consumers.