The ninth edition of Fashion Forward (FFWD), which took place from 23 March to 25 March in Dubai’s Hai d3, welcomed over 10,000 guests. As usual, the decisive fashion platform for Dubai and the Middle East saw industry leaders, fashion authorities, media and buyers flocking to see what designers had to offer, this time for their autumn/winter 2017 collections.
FFWD, which is endorsed by Dubai Design & Fashion Council and partners with Dubai’s Design District, boosts exposure and a progressive direction for the regional fashion industry. This stint supported 24 new and emerging ready-to-wear and couture designers from the region. Two of the designers with runway shows included Lebanese Abed Mahfouz and Hussein Bazaza.
Award-winning Bazaza, an ESMOD graduate, started his own eponymous ready-to-wear line after working for Rabih Keirouz and Elie Saab.
The avant-garde UAE brand Amato, the brainchild of the much-awarded creative designer Furne One, also had designs displayed on the runway.
Sri Lankan Anaya Chathuri Samaraweera, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, showcased her creations on the runway as well. Samaraweera learnt the skill of luxury design at BCBG Max Azria, where she worked as an assistant designer. Other labels visitors saw on the runway included Emperor, 6 Degree and Kristina Fidelskaya.
There were several notable labels when it came to the presentations too. BEDOUIN, conceived by Central Saint Martins graduate Andraya Farrag, was one of them. The modern and comfortable women’s wear label is shaped by the Bedouin tribes’ beautiful, minimalistic and nomadic lives. Saudi Arwa Al-Banawi was mostly raised in Switzerland and studied at the London College of Fashion in Dubai, and this mix of contrasts shone through in her presentation. Al-Banawi’s contemporary designs cater for “The Suitable Woman.”
Lama Jouni’s high-end ready-to-wear label with the same name is the result of her studies at Parsons Paris, where she trained at some of the most respected fashion houses including Balmain. Her presentation highlighted her bold, feminine designs for today’s passionate and independent woman. By Sadeem, Ghain Ghada and Shayma were some of the other names included in the presentations.
As well as runway shows and presentations, attendees were able to view 14 accessory labels at The Showcase. These included luxury hadbags featuring Italian leather by Belquis, created by Jordanian Reem Salman, and dynamic bags by Rula Ghalayini, who has recently been challenging the notion of space.
Jewellery labels included Bija Jewels, which offers gorgeous, affordable Dutch designs with an Arabic touch, and Alessa Jewelry, which holds six certifications in the field. The Showcase also featured work by Azra, Joud Design and Jude Benhalin.
While partaking in the fashion presentations, talks, panel discussions, networking and social events, FFWD designers, team members and guests wore white bandanas throughout the event. This was a way of showcasing global support for Business of Fashion's #TiedTogether initiative, which calls for solidarity, unity and inclusiveness.
