La Isla Bonita

tabloid! takes a peek at what to expect at the Isla Moda Dubai Fashion Week, which starts today

Islamic swimwear, opulent wedding gowns, chic dresses, trendy men's wear and a finale featuring glamorous ensembles from top Bollywood designer Neeta Lulla and well-known Lebanese designer Walid Atallah — all these and much more will be seen on the ramp at the Isla Moda Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) to be held at the Godolphin Ballroom of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai from today until Saturday.

Various countries

The event, produced by Concept Events and endorsed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will feature 16 solo and group shows of prêt a porter, couture and diffusion collections for autumn-winter 2008 by 31 established and emerging designers from various countries.

The participants include well-known names such as Vikram Phadnis, Troy Costa and Rohit Mittal from India, Hatem Alhakeem, Loai Nassem, Mahmoud Hafiz and Hend Halawani from Saudi Arabia, UK-based Lamia Asudari and Kuwaiti designer Nili Zahar.

The UAE is well represented by well-known Dubai-based labels Walid Atallah and Ghanati, emerging designers Mille Rostock, Charu Parashar, Surabhi Kalsi, Redaa-Amaal Murad, Raakhee Raipanchola and Hamra Alam as well as young designers Rashmi Kumari, Muskan Taurani and Deeya Nanda, who will present their inaugural ramp shows at the event.

Main aim

"DFW is a trade event and our main aim is to provide an exclusive platform for the development of the region's fashion industry. Our focus is on offering retail buyers, fashion professionals and the media an inside look into the latest collections from designers in the region to generate increased exposure and revenue in the industry," said Rohit Sabikhi, director of fashion at Concept Events.

Sabikhi has over 10 years of experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry and has been involved in developing the Lakme Fashion Week in India, New York Fashion Week, Australian Fashion Week, the Singapore Fashion Festival and Pakistan Fashion Week. Since moving to Dubai a few months ago, he has been working hard to make the third season of DFW bigger and better than previous events.

"The response we have received from designers, media and buyers from the region and abroad has been great and has helped us to establish this event as the region's flagship trade event. This season we have moved to a bigger venue so that we can provide better facilities such as adequate exhibition areas, a well-equipped media centre and a buyers lounge to further facilitate business opportunities for our designers," said Sabikhi.

The event

Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is a "by invitation only" fashion trade event, owned and organised by Concept Events, a member of Concept Group. It was co-founded by Marc Robinson, a well-known Indian model, choreographer and international fashion show producer.

It is presented by Isla Moda, the world's first dedicated fashion island, located in Dubai's The World development, with support from Splash, L'Oreal and Dessange, Philips, Solaris, Emirates Bank, Al Shaheen, Audi and Image Works.

Traditional fashion

A new feature that adds another dimension to DFW is the Islamic Fashion Festival — Preview. This segment will feature traditional abayas and praying attire as well as contemporary Islamic clothing and swimwear by seven well-known designers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Europe, the Sub Continent and the Gulf region. And besides exhibiting the latest garments and accessories, DFW will also provide a look at the trendiest hairstyles for the season at a show by Dessange (Paris).

New talent

As part of its efforts to encourage new talent from the region, the DFW will also feature the Splash Emerging Talent show.

The two earlier editions of this competition helped young designers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, India and the UAE to establish their presence in the region.

This season, UAE-based designers Jasbir Jamani and Buffi Jashanmal and Krikor Jabotian from Lebanon will showcase their autumn-winter 2008 collections in this sponsored show.

The shows

• The ramp shows will be held at the Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai on March 20, 21 and 22 from 3pm to 10pm.
• Entry to the venue and shows is by invitation only.