With so many hip happenings, events and trends abound, the Middle East is a hub for creativity and avant-garde flair. Combined with a deep, rich history, this part of the world brings a sort of yin and yang to all its creative endeavours. The balance of rich culture and history with a need to experiment and push beyond traditional boundaries is what makes the Middle East such an exciting place for creatives, and if the latest trends are anything to go by, it doesn’t show signs of stopping.

Beauty

One of the many ways people, like to express their creativity, is through their hands. Having practiced the art of Henna for over 5000 years, Middle Eastern countries know a thing or two about hand decorating. This practice has both cultural and religious significance, and there are many places you can go in Dubai to get your hands tattooed. Some salons fuse traditional Arabic designs with hand painting, which has been passed down from one generation to the next, while others offer entire body painting services. This beauty treatment is as old and traditional as they come in terms of culture, and is usually worn by Emirati women for weddings, Ramadan, and Eid. But as the UAE has progressed, and its beauty ideals have changed, how henna is worn has also transformed.

Interiors

Celebrated around the world for its innovative and sustainable approach to furniture, high-end Italian design brand Cassina has officially found a much-anticipated home in Dubai. Situated inside a villa on Jumeirah Street, the over 750-square-meter space spans two floors that feature some of the brand’s most exquisite creations, representing the long-held values of craftsmanship know-how, authenticity, and a perpetual pioneering spirit. Made to feel like a home meets gallery, the store fashions living, dining, sleeping, and outdoor areas in many styles and moods, stimulating a visual appeal that captures a range of tastes. The cross-cultural aesthetic reflects Cassina’s goal to support a range of sectors from art to the fashion world, to which the Dubai store’s window installation “Modular Imagination” is a testament. Brought to life in collaboration with the iconic late American fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, the collection of matt-black building blocks explores the implications of modularity in contemporary interior design.

Watches and Jewellery

As the designer scales new heights, a pair of Aisha BinHendi’s earrings were spotted on the red carpet this month at the 76^th annual Cannes Film Festival. Her brand Toi because the first Emirati fine jewelry line to be worn on the red carpet: Indian actress Urvashi Rautela and Ukrainian singer Sasha Ray were both photographed wearing pieces created by the Dubai-based designer. The brand’s name, TOi, (French for you) reflects the nature of the pieces, encompassing the idea that the founder aims to infuse within each collection: that the owner is as unique as the piece she wears. Whilst the jewels glitter brilliantly on the red carpet, the real star is Aisha BinHendi, who has worked tirelessly to prove that homegrown heroes like TOi have a place on the international stage, breaking barriers for other Emirati designers looking to scale new heights.

Fashion

Cannes 2023 shone the spotlight on Middle Eastern talent in more ways than one. This year influencer Masoom Minawala stepped out on the red carpet with UAE-based designer Marmar Halim. Styled by celebrity stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania, the global influencer dazzled in a statement gown that included a black velvet silhouette with ruffled white detailing, matching gloves, and elegant jewelry. She began her journey by posting a pic of herself in an ultra-chic streetwear look created by Roberto Cavalli, describing it as part of the “vibe” she is into lately. After this post, fans eagerly awaited her red carpet appearance, where she went all out glam and put Middle Eastern design on the map.

In this part of the world, creativity knows no bounds, and its rich cultural heritage has been an inspiration to many artists from all corners of the globe. If you are looking to hone your creative talents and turn them into a successful career, the best thing to do is secure yourself a good foundation. The right education can set you on a path to use your skills in a business context so that you are equipped to navigate the highly competitive fashion industry successfully. Combined with your talent, an education from a highly respected institute, taught by experienced professionals, can offer you a competitive edge.

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, intending to shape the future of the UAE fashion, design, and creative industries. It's 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 courses, and whilst the links below are Fashion Designer specific, there are many other paths that Istituto Marangoni can help you pursue.

For information and advice about this and any other courses on offer, please feel free to get in touch and one of our experts will be happy to guide you.

• Short Course in Fashion Trend Forecasting à https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/fashion-courses/fashion-business/fashion-trend-forecasting