The only fashion platform worldwide to promote “ready-couture” collections,  Dubai Fashion Week is really one to watch. Every year, just after the Big Four (Paris, Milan, New York, and London), Dubai Fashion Week, one of the most popular events on the calendar, hits the runways in Dubai, the fashion capital of the Middle East. Formerly known as Arab Fashion Week, this much anticipated event welcomes the launch of both Men's and Women’s collections in March, Men's in June and Women's in October.

Since 2015, Dubai has been home to DFW, showcasing some of the best designers the UAE has to offer. The event is held in the heart of Dubai at the Dubai Design District, the country’s art and fashion hub. Not only is this space modern and literally breath taking, it also plays home to the biggest global, regional, and local brands within the art, design and fashion industries.

Some of the highlights from this year’s shows in March included a private preview of Stella McCartney’s limited-edition Emerald Capsule Collection – an invite only exclusive event that was entitled a conscious celebration of Ramadan. Italian powerhouse Ferragamo also held a styling masterclass event with Lana Qatramiz and Gaelle Hojeily.

Marmar Halim’s Hawma’a

The Egyptian semi-couture designer, Marmar Halim has become a household name, dressing stars such as the Oscar winner Youn Yuh Jung. For her Fall Winter collection, which took to the runway this March, the designer found musing in nature and the complexities of the desert. Entitled “Hawma’a” (desert in Arabic), the collection featured maxi gowns in draped silhouettes and manipulated fabrics such as taffeta, velvet, and chiffon. The rich colour palette included shades of grey, magenta, and gold, as well as white, brown, and black, channelling the elegance and glamour present in every Marmar Halim collection.

Amato Couture

A real celebration of the Middle Eastern culture and talent, brainchild of Filipino designer Furne One, and Pakistani textile expert Rashid Ali, Amato Couture is one of Dubai’s most celebrated brands. With a history that spans more than 20 years, the brand chose this year to present a selection of carefully curated designs from its archives. Lavish fabrics, materials, and embellishments were the highlight of the runway, showcasing the craftsmanship and dream-like, avant-garde universe that Amato Couture has grown to be recognized for.

This year in October we can expect to see more of the same boundless creativity, fashion icons from around the globe, and tons of happenings across the city including runway shows, presentations, exhibitions, pop-ups, events, and workshops.  

Istituto Marangoni Dubai

In September 2022, International Design School Istituto Marangoni inaugurated its new campus in Dubai. A creative melting pot of Italian heritage, UAE tradition, and international influences, its campus is located inside the Dubai International Financial Centre, and offers a variety of undergraduate and professional courses in Fashion, and the various branches of design. All the courses are taught by the Institute’s team of professionals from Italy.

The school of design at Istituto Marangoni offers an exciting opportunity to fuse Italian expertise with local talent, with a view to shaping the future of the UAE fashion, design, and creative industries. Its strategic partnerships and international outlook make Istituto Marangoni the ideal place to develop your skills and learn from industry experts. With its unique network of international schools, Istituto Marangoni also offers enriching study abroad opportunities for students looking to broaden their horizons in every sense. We offer a wide range of fashion courses, the information for which can be found below.

Choosing a design course can seem a bit overwhelming, which is why our experts are on hand to help. Please feel free to get in touch with us, and we will be happy to answer any questions and offer our guidance. Here is a brief overview of just a couple of the design courses on offer:

BA (Hons) in Fashion Design & Accessories

Focussing on contemporary fashion, the three year course in Fashion Design & Accessories aims to provide students with the opportunity to investigate the intrinsic added value of fashion products, helping them understand how to design items that spark desire. This involves experimenting with various materials, technologies and techniques while learning to use avant garde pairings, and exploring the world of sustainable resources. To find out more about the course and the wide variety of methods used to teach it, please click on this link.

Fashion Entrepreneurship Course at Istituto Marangoni, Dubai

Targeted at industry professionals, and taught by industry experts, the Fashion Entrepreneurship Course at Istituto Marangoni, Dubai is aimed at fashion enthusiasts who are seeking to hone their skills and resources to develop their own business. Participants will learn to assess and understand how to analyse the innovative and successful business models of the fashion and luxury industry, market trends and opportunities, and risk management. The ultimate goal is to develop a business plan with precise marketing and communication strategies aimed at launching or enhancing a luxury brand, entering a new market, or attracting a specific target. Participants will consolidate their skills in promoting their brand, look for potential investors, and explore the many ways to expand their business.

For more detailed information on this and other courses available at Istituto Marangoni, please click on the following link.