The 5th season of Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) was held on April 10 to 13, 2015. Featuring the Fall/Winter 2015 collections from Middle East top designers, the celebration is definitely thriving on regional creativity and talents. Here are some of my favorite runway highlights. Cover photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Fashion Forward (FFWD) is a great platform for Middle East fashion designers to showcase their craft, but it is also a blessing for the rest of us living in different corners of the world. On April 10 to 13, Fashion Forward Dubai reached its 5th season and the designer talents are only getting better. It is great to see that Dubai’s fashion movement is getting more and more attention.
The first three days of the four day affair was full with numerous catwalk presentations from top regional designers. In addition, there were panel discussions and talks led by global industry experts and fashion academia, as well as social events and parties. The last day was dedicated to designer workshops and panel discussions.
For now I’ll make do with browsing the Fashion Forward Dubai Season 5’s runway presentations, picking my favorite collections from three-day worth of fashion presentation: The Emperor 1688, Jean Louis Sabaji, Zareena, Said Mahrouf, and Amato by Furne One
But one day…it would be great to be able to attend this event in person :)
In any case, I hope you enjoy the photos. For each designers, I put 9 of my favorite looks, followed by a link to the album of the designer’s complete Fall/Winter 2015 collection. Thank you Portsmouth Group for keeping me up to date with this splendid fashion showcase!
Photos: Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group
The Emperor 1688
Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
One of the two runway presentations on Fashion Forward Dubai’s first day, The Emperor 1688’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection is all about chic confidence. The Golkar Brothers presents luxury in tailored cuts and strong, sophisticated urban shapes.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:49
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:50
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:52
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:52
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:54
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:54
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:55
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:57
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 10: A model walks the runway at The Emporer 1668 show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 10, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
10-Apr-2015 21:58
Browse The Emperor 1688 Fall/Winter 2015 collection below:
Photos by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Jean Louis Sabaji
Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Yes, I love Jean Louis Sabaji. His Season Three’s collection was major for me, and his Season Five showing is no less glamorous. Titled “Floriography,” the 30-piece collection used brocade, organza, satin, tulle, silicone, crepe, and shantung to convey the language of flowers. The collection is a definite standout on the second day of FFWD Season Five.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:40
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:41
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:42
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:44
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:45
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:47
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:47
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:48
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 11: A model walks the runway at the Jean Louis Sabaji show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 11, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
11-Apr-2015 18:52
Browse Jean Louis Sabaji Fall/Winter 2015 “Floriography” collection below:
Photos by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Zareena
Photo courtesy of Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Zareena’s “Peace” collection is another highlight from Day 2. The 41-piece collection is all very ethereal, full of goddesses dressed in gold/ivory combination. Their angelic faces, framed by gold flowers and elaborated hairdo really emphasize what “Peace” is all about. The collection focuses on “our inner peace, self-awareness, and to make a difference however small towards PEACE.”
Browsing the collection is like reflecting on my own serenity and tranquility; it’s like a mini-meditation by enjoying fashion. It’s quite unbelievable.
Browse Zareena Fall/Winter 2015 “Peace” collection below:
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
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Said Mahrouf
Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
The simple yet effective draping and color blocking direction Said Mahrouf took for his “Suprematism” collection is a breath of fresh air on FFWD Day 3. Made with silks and embroideries, this collection was inspired by Kazimir Malevich’s paintings. Mahrouf’s interpretation of Malevich’s basic geometric forms and use of a limited range of colors effectively expressed “the supremacy of pure artistic feeling” (Malevich description of the term Suprematism). Well done.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:37
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:37
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:38
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:39
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:40
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:42
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:42
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:42
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Said Mahrouf show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 17:43
Browse Said Mahrouf Fall/Winter 2015 “Suprematism” collection below:
Photos by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Amato by Furne One
Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Like always, Furne One closed the Day 3 with his extravagant collection. His collection is like a mix of Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano. They’re bold, really dramatic (did you see that giant red moon?), eccentric, and ultimately a fitting finale for an outstanding season of Fashion Forward Dubai.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:12
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:14
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:15
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:16
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:18
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:19
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:20
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:22
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 12: A model walks the runway at the Amato by Furne One show during Dubai Fashion Forward April 2015 at Madinat Jumeirah on April 12, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Fashion Forward)
12-Apr-2015 22:24
Browse Amato by Furne One Fall/Winter 2015 collection below:
Photos by Ian Gavan/Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group.
Thanks for reading; until next time,
Musank
Photos: Getty Images for Fashion Forward via Portsmouth Group
