Day Two of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) showcased another diverse range of brilliant international talent.
Featuring timeless fashion from Spain, a celebration of feminity from Palestine, a focus on bold tones and colours from France, theatrical design from India, historical elegance from late 19th century Europe, an exhibition celebrating Italian fashion excellence and exquisitely cut diamonds from Austria – the day had it all!
ADOLFO DOMINGUEZ
Spanish brand Adolfo Domínguez’s Autumn-Winter 2024 IKIGAI collection, inspired by the Japanese concept of finding purpose in life – and crafted at the Ágora Creative Laboratory – blends tradition with contemporary styles, featuring prints, crumpled fabrics, ruffles and asymmetrical cuts in neutral and vibrant tones.
Focused on sustainability and timeless fashion, the brand’s minimalist designs embody its commitment to creating enduring, elegant garments and timeless fashion. The company’s Executive President (and Adofo’s daughter) Adriana Domínguez, a visionary leader in sustainability, attended the exclusive exhibition, underscoring the brand’s dedication to responsible consumption.
IHAB JIRYIS
Acclaimed Palestinian designer Ihab Jiryis presented his latest Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Inspired by the transformation of the monarch butterfly, the collection explores themes of femininity, growth, and empowerment, celebrating the beauty of transformation and identity.
The collection is a blend of art, innovation, and elegance, reflecting Jiryis’ commitment to redefining luxury and solidifying his status as a leading name in couture.
WEINSANTO
DFW Member Victor Weinsanto’s latest collection, Lady de Weinsanto, debuted at DFW and was presented by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
Marking Weinsanto’s eighth collection, it celebrated resilient femininity with a focus on bold black tones accented by vibrant colours, from acid green to fiery fuchsia. Set to orchestral music by Ugo Nardini, the collection featured oversized silhouettes and incorporated signature corsetry techniques and innovative materials, such as Sophie Halette’s lace.
The show also introduced a striking XXL strapless bag made from dead stock leather. Weinsanto, best known for his festive and innovative aesthetic, continues to be a prominent figure in the fashion industry, having previously been shortlisted for the LVMH Prize and serving as an ambassador for LVMH’s circular fashion initiative, Nona Source.
ITRH
Indian design label ITRH debuted on DFW runways with Natak. The brand-new collection drew inspiration from the rich, dramatic essence of Indian theatre, blending bold theatrical design with subtle, romantic undertones.
ITRH reimagined traditional Indian silhouettes, such as the choli, kaftan, sari and lehenga, with an opulent touch articulated through dramatic volume and ITRH’s signature crystal textile. This season’s collection used a softer colour palette with intricate embroidery, bold stones, and crystals to celebrate contrasts and pay homage to the glamour of Indian theatre.
DESIGNERS & US
Designers & Us captivated attendees with a Phantom of the Opera-themed showcase, seamlessly merging the opulence of 1881 with contemporary fashion trends.
The collection was inspired by the diverse women who attended the grand operas in that era, echoing the elegant fashions of noble princesses, high society ladies, modest attendees and actresses.
The show highlighted a range of corsets, A-line dresses, and mermaid gowns distinguished by the brand’s attention to detail.
Known for offering exclusive collections from top Arab and international designers, Designers & Us continues to push the boundaries of fashion by fostering cross-cultural collaborations and promoting sustainable growth.
Founder Tarek Derke emphasised the brand’s commitment to providing a unique fashion experience and blending historical elegance with modern innovation.
ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY
Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE, visited the inaugural La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition, an exhibition celebrating Italian fashion excellence.
Organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with DFW, the exhibition presents 25 prestigious Italian fashion brands showcasing clothing, footwear, leather goods, and eyewear.
The ambassador was accompanied by notable figures, including Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy in Dubai; Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner of Italy to the UAE; Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, part of TECOM Group PJSC; and Mohammed Aqra, CSO of the Arab Fashion Council.
The exhibition underscores the strong cultural and economic ties between Italy and the UAE, with Italy’s fashion exports to the UAE reaching approximately USD 924 million in 2023.
SWAROVSKI
Alongside the glamorous fashion shows at d3, Swarovski unveiled its Created Diamonds collection for the first time in the region at DFW.
The collection is crafted with Swarovski’s exquisitely cut laboratory-grown diamonds and made using 100 per cent renewable energy and recycled gold and silver, representing a commitment to the highest quality materials.
The collection debuted over an intimate dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Anne-Sophie Pic at La Dame De Pic in One&Only One Za’abeel.
For more information, please visit www.dubaifashionweek.org.