Check out the highlights of Arab Fashion Week so far

Arab Fashion Week is on in Dubai right now and the opening salvo had a lot to love - check out the highlights…

Barbie was the biggest talking point of Day 1 at Arab Fashion Week women’s ready-to-wear spring-summer 2023 festival in Dubai. The capsule collection by Lebanese couturier Jean Louis Sabaji is easily the most elegant Barbie showing on a catwalk yet.

The Jean Louis Sabaji x Barbie capsule is all about that unmistakeable form, with sleek silhouettes popping thanks to Barbie’s signature hues of bright pink. Contrasted with surprising black details like Sabaji’s signature use of feather and heart motifs, the cocktail dresses are meant to highlight the female form and the striking evening gowns sweep the floor.

On the second day of Arab Fashion Week we were treated to a collection by UAE’s own label Amato, designed by Filipino Furne One who created a line inspired by the Maharajas and vintage Indian costumery, which is why the otherwise stark black looks are embellished by handmade turbans, capes, feathered shoulders, and molded armor…

Filipino designer Rian Fernandez put on a show of colour for his couture gowns and ensembles, similarly inspired by traditional embroidery for the bodices and tassels in his looks.

That embroidered and handmade kind of look is a theme in Dubai-based Farah Bseiso’s collection for Maison Mada’en too, which is inspired by the Gardens of London as Bseiso’s tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The ‘Fallen Rose’ collection by the Jordanian designer is like a fairy tale of floral motifs, vibrant tulles and mikado silk. “The collection represents strength and power, as well as courageous and positive characters that are rooted both in traditions and liberal ideologies,” said Bseiso.