From the showcasing designers to the celebrity stylists, renowned buyers, workshops and talks, we have the low down on Fashion Forward (FFWD) Season 7.
We’ve already told you that FFWD has found a new home at Dubai Design District, we’ve also revealed all the amazing designers. Now we have all the information you need. Here’s you ultimate guide to Fashion Forward Season 7:
THE LOCATION & DATES
FFWD Season 7 has found a new home in none other than the Dubai Design District (d3) after earning an endorsement by Dubai Design And Fashion Council (DDFC).
The major fashion event will run from March 31 to April 3
FFWD moves to d3
THE HYPE
Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design and Fashion Council said: “We are pleased to extend our support to Fashion Forward, a platform that continues to provide a creative outlet for local and regional designers and, over the years, has supported many up-and-coming brands. Through offering opportunities for designers to share knowledge and network with industry peers, Fashion Forward has become an integral part of Dubai’s fashion calendar. We are confident that the seventh season of Fashion Forward will be a success and we are especially looking forward to seeing what our Style.com/Arabia – DDFC Fashion Prize winner Hussein Bazaza will be showcasing this season.”
Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design and Fashion Counc
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THE BUYERS
This year for autumn/winter 2016, FFWD has partnered with Muriel Piaser Consulting to bring intentional buyers, meaning there’s a great chance that the showcasing local talent might get international recognition.
Piaser said: “I’m really pleased and honoured this season to be involved in the team of Fashion Forward Dubai, in charge of regional and international promotion buyers. It’s a great opportunity for the local apparel and accessories designers to have this unique exchange with experts of retail and share with them their experience of fashion in a main goal to increase their business globally, definitely the key of their international fame for a brand.”
The buyers are: Paola Coletti Womenswear buyer for Printemps, Paris; Pascale Camart Head Manager of Womenswear & Underwear Buying Department, Galeries Lafayette, Paris; Pauline Savine Market and Trend Forecasting Expert, Nieman Marcus USA, Lambert and Associates, Paris; Song Pham – Founder, 10 Lines Consulting (Harvey Nichols Hong Kong).
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THE d3 FASHION TALKS
As with every previous season. FFWD hosts a series of fascinating and informative talks with key industry leaders and experts. Here’s the run down for this year:
International Buyers Panel – Thursday March 31, 5.30pm
Continuing the focus on international buying and retail, this season’s d3 Fashion Talks open with a panel discussion featuring Pascale Camart, Song Pham and Muriel Piaser.
From Runway To Retail: Moda Operandi – Saturday, April 2, 7.30pm
Bringing insight into what it takes for designers to achieve commercial success, Deborah Nicodemus, the CEO of Moda Operandi, along with the Vice President of Merchandising, Mary Chiam will draw from their considerable experience from the innovative online retailer, which facilitates purchases directly from the catwalk.
Why Ethical Fashion Matters – Friday April 1, 4.30pm
Buying ethically sourced fashion does not mean comprising on style. Sarah Beydoun, Founder OF Sarah’s Bag, shares her success story.
Sarah’s Bag
Related Story: Why Fashion Forward Moved To d3
THE WORKSHOPS
Domus Academy Workshop – Friday April 1, 2.30pm
Barbara Trebitsch, Head of the Fashion School, Domus Academy, Milan
Copywriting Creativity – Saturday April 2, 1.30pm
Jayshree Gupta, Partner, Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
Zahi Younes, Partner, Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
Wearable Technology – Saturday April 2, 4.30pm
Matthew Drinkwater, Head of Fashion Innovation Agency at London College of Fashion
Francesca Gianesin, Vice President EMEA for Disney Consumer Products
THE SHOWCASE
Formerly The Garden, the showcase is a carefully created space for a selection of the best regional jewellery and accessories designers. Showing this season are: 55fifty7 Jewelry; Alessa Designs; Alia bin Omair; Aura Headpieces; Belquis; Exocet; Falamank By Tarfa Itani; Madiso; Nathalie Trad; Rosa Maria Jewellery; Rula Galayini; Sarah’s Bag; Vanina; Vinita Michael Jewelcraft.
Nathalie Trad’s famous clutches (carried here by Olivia Palermo) will be in The Showvase
THE DESIGNERS
There are over 20 local and Middle East designers showcasing at Fashion Forward sEason 7, with some brands making a debut to the style platform and others revealing a new extension of their brand… See the full list of the designers and get a taste of their creations here.
THE STREET STYLE
Tune into emirateswoman.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we reveal the best street style looks every day throughout Fashion Forward.
We will be updating you on street style looks everyday
Fashion Forward Season 7, d3, March 31 to April 3
