Evolving in leaps and bounds, Dubai’s regional talent showcase, Fashion Forward, is back for its eighth season – and stronger than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know, including why it’s so critical for the UAE…
THE BASCIS
What: Fashion Forward Dubai Season 8; 31 labels either based in the region, or of Middle Eastern origin, show their wares for S/S17.
Where: Dubai Design District, or d3 for short, in the bespoke area of Hai (the Arabic word for neighbourhood).
When: October 20 – 23 2016
ONES TO WATCH
Alongside FFWD mainstays, such as Amato by Furne One, Madiyah Al Sharqi and Ezra, are a few newer catwalk stars grabbing our attention. Hussein Bazaza’s bold femininity, Salta’s nonchalant silhouettes and Mrs Keepa’s kaleidoscopic eccentricity are just three sensibilities we can’t wait to witness the evolution of this season.
Amato By Furne One
NEW GEN
“Season 8 sees the exciting introduction of designers from beyond the region, a tactical addition by FFWD to extend the breadth of the event while maintaining its authenticity to support emerging talent,” Bong Guerrero, CEO and co-founder of FFWD said of the event’s next step. The five new kids on the block are By Amal Al Raisi, HZ by Hissa Zainal, Mrs Keepa, Tair menswear and Varoin Marwah.
Kristina Fidelskaya
Read:
Designers Announced For Fashion Forward Season 8
Fashion Forward Season 7 Street Style
The Dubai Fashion Brands Who Owe It All To Social Media
EPIC
Big changes continue to be afoot with the simultaneous introduction of EPIC; standing for an Empowerment Programme Through Industry Collaboration. In layman’s terms, this newly-founded initiative will mean that the Middle East’s fashion ecosystem is developed through the tackling of challenges that regional fashion designers face – be that marketing or manufacturing. A stronger homegrown talent base = a richer cultural experience for us all.
Hussein Bazaza
PARIS SHOWROOM
For the first time ever, FFWD will be hosting a showroom in Paris during fashion week. This means a far greater chance of our local talent being picked up globally. The thought of one day being able to buy the likes of Bedouin in Selfridges makes us super proud.
Bouguessa
BUY BUY BUY
Just because this is an industry event doesn’t mean you can’t get involved. Case in point, Galeries Lafayette in The Dubai Mall is hosting its third FFWD pop-up on the first floor, where you can buy the showcasing designers’ current-season looks. Shop Kristina Fidelskaya, Bedouin, Exocet and Dee by Dalia among others from now until October 24.
Bedouin
THE FASHION TALKS
FFWD’s fashion talks are getting to be one of the most essential parts of the week, with this season’s offering including a conversation with iconic French-Arab model and muse, Farida Khelfa, a S/S17 forecasting talk by WGSN’s Jane Boddy, and a workshop on how designers can find the right manufacturing partner.
Compiled by: Olivia Phillips
Images: Supplied
