Dubai was crowned as the capital of world luxury by bringing together parades of internationally renowned designers, along with its best national brands (some of like Araby Shop), during the AFW.
The catwalks never stop rolling. Barely a month after the fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, or London, the Orient became the main focus of interest for the fashion industry. It is not surprising. Dubai, the paradise of luxury, hosted the Arab Fashion Week, which returned to face-to-face a year later, with capacity limitations. This became a meeting point for leading international brands, such as Chanel or Moschino, designers of vital importance to the Middle East, Ihab Jiryis, and completely unknown firms looking for their first opportunity. The Dubai Business District became the heart of events, the witness of trends, and the favorite place for influencers and celebrities. If you have not been able to be aware, we rescue you from the best moments of the AFW.
Jeremy Scott and Barbie make history
Arab Fashion Week kicks off with an awards gala given by the Arab Fashion Council, one of the most important fashion support institutions in the Middle East. At this event, Barbie, the iconic doll of the 1950s, was named a 'fashion icon' by more than 500 industry insiders.
Also, in line with this message, Jeremy Scott, creative director of Moschino, received the Council's Medal of Honor for his archive collection of Spring 2015 Barbie, which he later showed during a show in which the song could be heard in the background. "Barbie Girl" by Aqua.
Chanel presents its new collection
The Dubai Creek port became the place chosen by Chanel to present its new 2021/2022 cruise collection. With a live performance by John Legend and luxury guests from the level of Penelope Cruz, the parade reflected the growing importance of the AFW in the industry worldwide.
Virginie Viard opted on this occasion to use punk references through a line of graphic suits, black and white miniskirts, tights. stockings and leather holsters. The collection was balanced with soft ivory lace gowns, high-waisted linen pants, and floral-embroidered gowns. All the designs were inspired by Jean Cocteau's play 'Orfeo', which deals with themes of morality, sacrifice, and art.
Diversity of models
Michael Cinco, a Filipino designer based in Dubai, conveyed a hopeful inclusive message with his show: “ Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and if you are missing a part of your body, you are as beautiful as anyone else.” For this reason, his haute couture designs were worn by models with prosthetic legs and arms or non-normative sizes.
A collection of detail, color, and craftsmanship, inspired by the work of the painter Gustav Klimt, which perfectly represents the opulence and sumptuousness of Arab fashion through long dresses with feather-trimmed hems, embroidery in gold tones, glitter, and extravagant shoulders.
An ode to sustainable fashion
Lebanese brand Emergency Room Beirut was created six years ago by Eric Mathieu Ritter to show that fashion can be truly sustainable. All of their garments are made from dead fabrics and other second-hand materials sourced from Tripoli's souks, to showcase the country's resilience and the power of imagination and innovation. In a tribute to Lebanon, his spring-summer 2022 collection was used to tell a story and he cut the music during the show. As the models walked, attendees heard only Ritter's voice detailing his inspiration for the collection, the current challenges facing Lebanon, and the significance of the textiles he used, such as the duvets and sheets.
Classics that debuted
Ihab Jiryis is one of the most prestigious Arab designers in the field of evening dresses and wedding dresses, with more than 12 years of experience. However, during the Arab Fashion Week 2021-2022 when he held his first physical show. Her collection littered the runway in sequins, with long and short gowns in a palette of forest greens, nudes, grays, and powder blues.
You may check some samples on Arabyshop.com
