Operating from September 1 to six, 2025, is greater than only a collection of runway reveals—it’s Dubai’s declaration of intent to the worldwide luxurious trend {industry}. Strategically positioned on the very begin of the worldwide trend 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 world ambition converge.


From Arab Style Week to World Establishment
DFW’s roots lie in Arab Style Week, launched in 2015 by the Arab Style 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 delivery to the rebranded Dubai Style Week—an occasion designed to rival the Huge 4. Right now, d3 is residence to greater than 1,100 inventive companies and has grow to be the pure residence for an occasion of this scale.
The technique is evident: make Dubai the style capital of the Center East and a worldwide trend hub. With The Patrons Programme, unique {industry} dinners, and initiatives like Style Futures, DFW ensures designers will not be simply seen—they’re linked to worldwide markets, press, and consumers.
Rising Tendencies and Themes for SS26
DFW is shortly turning into a barometer for what’s subsequent in luxurious. Key themes up to now:
- 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, akin to Southeast Asia and Central America (in accordance with AFC experiences), DFW is positioning itself as a real trendsetter for world variety.
Key Initiatives Driving Development
- The Patrons Programme: Over 200 world consumers from Harrods to Neiman Marcus, producing $15M in orders final season.
- Style Futures (Sept 4–5): Panels on AI, sustainability, and digital trend.
- 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 trend 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 Development Story: A First Cease for World Style
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 deliver headline enchantment, whereas rising voices discover a global platform. For a lot of, it’s not nearly exhibiting collections—it’s about tapping into Dubai’s distinctive mix of luxurious shoppers, retail innovation, and cultural alternate.
By happening forward of New York, Dubai has cleverly positioned itself as the primary phrase within the world model dialog.
Financial Impression and World Attain
DFW contributes over $100 million yearly to Dubai’s economic system by way of 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 up to now embody 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. Really titled “RIMBA,” the gathering drew from Southeast Asian rainforests, that includes flora-fauna motifs worn by world 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 way of 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 reveals, it celebrates cultural roots whereas pushing forward-looking design.
Day Two: Energy, Femininity, and Sustainability
On September 2, a various lineup showcased world 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 way of fluid silks and structured types.
Day Two showcased DFW’s twin identification, the place luxurious craftsmanship meets sustainability and cultural richness.
Day Three: Italian Magnificence 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 numerous world 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 methods with a contemporary edge.
- Le Twins: Introduced a playful but refined ready-to-wear assortment, mixing streetwear influences with Italian tailoring, celebrating youthful vitality.
- D-Exterior: Showcased modern, 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 to be.
- Avant Toi: Featured experimental knitwear with distressed textures and daring coloration palettes, pushing boundaries of Italian craftsmanship.
- Be Nina: Closed the Italian Day reveals with female, flowy designs infused with vibrant prints, embodying Italian sophistication with world enchantment.
- Anomalous: Futuristic designs with metallic accents, mixing Center Japanese and sci-fi aesthetics.
- Aavva: Daring, architectural silhouettes with intricate beadwork, reflecting Dubai’s trendy 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 world innovation.
Day 4: Heritage, Energy, and Trendy Femininity (September 4, 2025)
Day 4 featured seven designers, mixing world views with individuality, energy, and architectural class, with a concentrate on 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, linked 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 trendy femininity by way of 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): Introduced Lace Poem, exploring delicate but robust types by way of 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 girls, 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 industrial influence.
Day 5: Innovation, Modest Luxurious, and Rising Abilities (September 5, 2025)
Day 5 shifted towards quiet luxurious, cultural heritage, and future-forward design, that includes six showcases that spotlighted modest trend 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 industrial viability.
- THAT Idea Retailer (UAE): Opened with a daring FW25 girls’s ready-to-wear showcase (previewing into SS26 tendencies), that includes sculptural balloon silhouettes, reimagined denim, fluid material, fringe particulars, and autumnal tones. Assertion equipment and progressive materials highlighted individuality, positioning it as a hub for up to date luxurious.
- Buttonscarves (UAE): Unveiled Lucent Nightfall, a luxurious modest trend assortment in muted palettes with satin, jacquard, tweed, cotton, and organza. Intricate beadwork and outsized luggage outlined the seems to be, specializing in elegant, versatile hijabs and abayas that mix custom with trendy wearability.
- Otté (UAE): Introduced SS26 quiet luxurious with clear, relaxed silhouettes in timeless neutrals, crafted from luxurious materials like silk and linen. The gathering emphasised understated confidence by way of minimalist attire and separates, interesting to a worldwide modest trend 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 had been evident in flowing kaftans and embroidered jackets, celebrating historic motifs in trendy contexts.
- FAD Institute (UAE, Rising Abilities): Closed with an inspiring runway of over 20 budding designers’ progressive ready-to-wear and prêt-à-porter. Collections explored heritage (e.g., embroidered Arabesque patterns), structure (geometric constructions), and surrealism (asymmetrical types), utilizing experimental methods like 3D printing and upcycled materials. Standouts included sustainable items from UAE-based skills, signaling the following era of Center Japanese trend.
This present day 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 reveals, 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 girls’s independence by way of 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 trendy 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 alternate 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 influence of over $100 million.
Why Dubai Style Week Issues
DFW is a worldwide contender, not a regional curiosity. With consumers from 50 nations, heritage homes, and press protection, it’s the Center East’s reply to the Huge 4. For luxurious trend, 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 achieve world publicity.
Methods to Interact with DFW
Watch reside streams on dubaifashionweek.org or @dubaifashionweek on Instagram. Tickets for public reveals begin at AED 200; purchaser/press accreditation is free by way of utility. Pop-up shops at D3 provide unique items from designers akin to Fioletowy Studio, Dima Ayad, and Manish Malhotra. The Italian Commerce Company and Stage Footwear exhibition (September 2–6) showcased Italian craftsmanship, open to the general public.
As Days 1 by way of 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 trend 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 Style 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 is not only in regards to the previous—it’s about staying forward of the curve.
✨ Store the runway’s affect now. Discover Dubai-inspired tendencies and timeless luxurious at costs you’ll love—solely at The Luxurious Closet.
Subsequent cease: New York. However as we speak, 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/photographs/album/vvkw_yckcjamfv
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOYiCFFDFbM/
FAQs
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When is Dubai Style Week SS26?
Dubai Style Week SS26 begins from September 1 to six, 2025, on the Dubai Design District (d3). It’s the primary occasion on the worldwide trend calendar, previous New York Style Week.
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Who’re the designers at Dubai Style Week SS26?
Key contributors embody 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.
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What’s the full schedule for Dubai Style 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.
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How can I attend Dubai Style Week 2025?
Register for visitor accreditation on dubaifashionweek.org. Public tickets for choose reveals begin at AED 200; consumers and press get free entry by way of utility. Digital viewing is out there by way of reside streams on the official web site and Instagram.
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Is Dubai Style Week free to attend?
Most runway reveals 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.
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Methods to watch Dubai Style Week reside on-line?
Stream reveals on dubaifashionweek.org, YouTube, or Instagram (@dubaifashionweek). Highlights are shared on #DFWSS26 throughout social media.
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What are the highlights of Manish Malhotra’s Dubai Style Week SS26 assortment?
Manish Malhotra’s The World Assortment: Dubai on Day 5 featured Indian craftsmanship with world silhouettes, reimagining pantsuits with sharp shoulders, fluid materials, and shimmering gildings in jewel tones. Ground-length robes and complicated embroidery, showcased by Malaika Arora, celebrated Indian couture and Arabic influences, securing $3 million in export offers.
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What are the highlights of Dubai Style 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.
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What are the highlights of Dubai Style 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.
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What are the highlights of Dubai Style 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 alternate with geometric patterns and daring streetwear.
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What’s “Italian Day” at Dubai Style 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 trend market share.
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Are there sustainability initiatives at DFW SS26?
Fioletowy Studio makes use of eco-friendly silks, and SOUEAST’s electrical automobile sponsorship aligns with Dubai’s net-zero targets. AFC panels promote sustainable provide chains.
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Who based Dubai Style Week?
Co-founded by the Arab Style Council (led by Jacob Abrian) and Dubai Design District in 2023, evolving from Arab Style Week (2015). It goals to place Dubai as a worldwide trend hub.
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What makes Dubai Style Week completely different from different trend 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 trend season, seamlessly integrating cultural heritage with luxurious, and attracting a various vary of consumers.
