Programme to Feature Over 25 Renowned and Emerging Designers in Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear
- Celebrated couture brand Paolo Sebastian debuts Australian talent on DFW runways
- Iconic Indian couture designer Manish Malhotra to headline the closing show
- Major retail brands from the USA, UK, Italy, and Germany to bolster DFW’s International Buyers Programme
Dubai, UAE, 17 January 2025: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), the city’s official fashion showcase, is set to dazzle the Autumn/Winter 2025-26 season with a stellar line-up of designers and buyers from across the globe. Cementing Dubai’s position as a global fashion capital, the upcoming edition promises a vibrant celebration of haute couture, ready-to-wear collections, and groundbreaking talent from new territories.
Scheduled to take place from 1 to 6 February 2025 at Dubai Design District (d3), DFW will lead the international fashion calendar ahead of Paris, Milan, New York, and London Fashion Weeks. The six-day event will present an array of runway shows, activations, and citywide events, offering a dynamic platform for designers, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts alike.
A Truly Global Line-up
Co-founded by d3, part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, DFW Autumn/Winter 2025-26 will showcase the creativity of more than 25 renowned and emerging designers from around the world. Represented countries include France, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE. This year also marks the debut of celebrated Australian couture house Paolo Sebastian, adding a new dimension to the event’s international scope.
“Steadfast demand for luxury fashion and diversity in craftsmanship continue to establish the Middle East as the new growth hub for design talent,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District. “This season’s programme underscores DFW’s ability to connect designers and retailers with new markets and opportunities, elevating Dubai’s status as a global hub for creativity and innovation.”
Headline Designers and Exciting Debuts
DFW’s Autumn/Winter 2025-26 edition will feature:
- Manish Malhotra, India’s celebrated couture designer, closing the week with a breathtaking showcase on 6 February.
- Returning DFW members such as Michael Cinco, Lama Jouni, and Weinsanto.
- Debut of Les Benjamins, an Istanbul-based luxury streetwear brand, as the Correspondent Member.
- Sustainable and innovative fashion highlights from Morocco-inspired designer Molato.
- Eclectic showcases from avant-garde designers like Tara Babylon, SAIJAMIN, and Viva Vox.
- Romantic couture collections from Paolo Sebastian, intricate designs by Angelo Estera, and architectural pieces by Antoine Kareh.
Additionally, DFW will continue to spotlight fresh talent through its partnership with NIF Global London School of Trends, ensuring the next generation of designers gets a platform before an international audience.
Beyond the Runway
DFW is more than just a showcase of fashion; it’s an ecosystem of collaboration and commerce. This year, the DFW International Buyer’s Programme expands to welcome retail giants from the USA, UK, Italy, and Germany. The programme facilitates exclusive opportunities for designers to present their collections to global buyers, creating a gateway for emerging talent to access key fashion markets.
Complementing the runway shows are citywide activations, including an invite-only event hosted by THAT Concept and Etoile Boutique. Instagram’s DFW Party will kick off the week, continuing the momentum of the impactful Round Table initiative from past editions.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Excellence
The success of DFW is amplified by its collaborations with global brands and organizations. Key partners include:
- Visa: Official payment partner
- Spotify: Music partner
- Balmain Hair Couture: Official hair partner
- Kiko Milano: Official makeup partner
- ME Dubai: Hospitality partner
- Electra and Magnum: Production and AV partners
- Fiji Water: Hydration partner
Save the Dates
The International Buyer’s Programme will run from 3 to 5 February 2025, coinciding with the main event at d3. Pre-accreditation for registration is now open via the official DFW website, offering fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals the chance to secure their place at this must-attend event.
Get ready to witness Dubai Fashion Week like never before, where global talent meets unmatched creativity in the heart of the Middle East, check out the official calendar HERE.
