What:Fashion Forward will showcase collections from local and international designers in the form of fashion shows and presentations as well as a number of talks from industry experts.
When and Where:Fashion Forward Spring/Summer 17 will take place at D3 Dubai Design District from Friday 21 October to Sunday 23 October.
How Much:If you are not a Buyer, Industry, or Press, the fee for registration is Dh100 per day or Dh200 for 3-day access to the venue and shows. Tickets are also sold on a first come, first served basis.
The Catwalk:Fashion Forward is in its 8 season now. Perhaps the most recognised part of the event is the catwalk shows, which are attended by fashion industry insiders, journalists, buyers and VIPs. Within the shows there are designers who have been with the event from the start, as well as brands who are new to the event; showcasing their collections on the Dubai runway for the first time this October.
The Designers not to miss:
SHAIKHA MADIYAH AL SHARQI – Day 3 – Sunday, 23 October at 19:30
Emirati designer Madiyah Al Sharqi has been showcasing collections since Fashion Forward began. Shepresents an elegant, feminine collection year on year that combines Middle Eastern influences with Western shapes and styles. She has since been presented with a number of awards and has dressed supermodels including Alessandra Ambrosio and Karolina Kurkova.
HOUSE OF NOMAD – Day 1 – Friday, 21 October at 21:30
Created by design duo Ahmed El Sayed and Saleh Al-Banna, House of Nomad has been with Fashion Forward since season five. The nomad is the inspiration behind this homegrown brand. Expect to see bomber jackets, cropped tops and jumpers updated with quirky details and innovative fabrics
ZENA PRESLEY – Day 2 – Saturday, 22 October at 18:00
Syrian born Zena Presley’s unique take on fashion design is what has made her successful in this region. Each season she collaborates with an artist who, working with her designer team will create works of art for her modern cut designs. Expect to see more of her unique style this season.
AMATO BY FURNE ONE – Day 3 – Sunday, 23 October at 22:00
Known for his extravagant and artistic fashion shows, couturierFurne One always gets the industry talking. He has dressed the likes of Beyonce, Katy Perry and Ellie Goulding. This will be the second time Furne has presented a collection on the Fashion Forward runway. Expect to see sculptural gowns and avant-garde creations in a show that’s not to be missed.
MRS. KEEPA – Day 2 - Saturday, 22 October at 21:30
Mrs. Keepa will make its Fashion Forward debut this October. The Egyptian-French designer Mariam Yehia takes inspiration from her Middle Eastern roots playing on patterns, fabric and colours merges with European elegance and sensibility. The label features flattering silhouettes, feminine and vintage inspired pieces.
ARWA AL BANAWI – Day 1 – Friday, 21 October at15:00
Saudi-born designer Arwa Al Banawi features expertly-tailored, androgynous suits and separates in unexpected prints and hues. Designed for the “suitable woman”, her aesthetic is both classically cool and undoubtedly feminine. The designer has already received many awards and recognition for her designs both in The Middle East and globally.
The Showcase:
The Showcase will comprise a selection of the bestregional jewellery and accessory designers who will have products available to buy on the day. Some of the designers that will be showcasing their collections are Nathalie Trad, Vanina, Rula Galayini, Bana Sunglasses and Alessa Jewelry.
d3 Fashion Talks:
Throughout the weekend there will be a number of fashion talks by industry experts. This season the talks will take on a back to basics theme aimed to give future aspiring designers access to invaluable advice from the people that know the most. Some of the highlights from the weekend are below:
In Conversation with Farida Khelfa
Iconic French-Arab Model, Muse, Filmmaker and Ambassador for the House of Schiaparelli will share her inspiring rise through the fashion industry.
Friday, 21 October 2016, 19:00
Speaker: Farida Khelfa, Schiaparelli Ambassador and Filmmaker
Stella Jean: The Rise of Europe’s Hottest Fashion Star
Designer Stella Jean will share her short journey of going from a fledging designer to ruling the runways in Milan with her unique blend of ethnic heritage and Italian tailoring.
Saturday, 22 October 2016, 20:00
Speaker: Stella Jean, Designer
WGSN Trend Forecasting
Jane Boddy, Director of Colour and Womenswear for WGSN, the world's leading trend authority, will share Spring/Summer '17's seasonal message as well as preview Autumn/Winter '17 macro trends.
Friday, 21 October 2016, 13:00
DDFC Talk: Fashion Entrepreneurship – Building a Sustainable Business
Leaders from the world of finance and retail will share their advice on how to develop a business that can attract funding and be commercially viable.
Saturday, 22 October 2016, 16:00
Speakers:
Noor Shawwa, Managing Director, Endeavor UAE, Sharmila Murat, General Manager, Chalhoub Group Retail, Basma Abu Ghazaleh,Designer, Kage
Sourcing: From Sampling to Manufacturing – Global Market Trends
Whether you choose to manufacture in Italy, India or China, Riccardo Vannetti of Pitti Immagine, Barbara Trebitsch of Domus Academy and Viola Vitiello of the Apparel Network will take designers through the process of how to find the right partner to work with.
Sunday, 23 October 2016, 16:30
Speakers:
Riccardo Vannetti,Tutorship Director, Pitti Immagine
For full schedules and more information on Fashion Forward visit www.fashionforward.ae
