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Swiss tech accessories brand Ferronato opened the show with a robotic life-size dog… Image Credit: Arab Fashion Council

Arab Fashion Week is kicking off at the Dubai Design District this weekend, with the three-day event opening its Spring-Summer 2023 menswear shows on Day 1

With local and international designers taking part, the curated roster is made up of avant-garde creators as well as three special guest designers presented by The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode – they are Paris-based brands Lazoschmidl, Arturo Obegero, and Valette Studio.

We are delighted to kick off this fourth edition of Men’s Arab Fashion Week, the only Men’s Fashion Week held throughout the Middle East and Asia,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of Dubai Design District. “In addition to marking the 20th edition of Arab Fashion Week overall, the Spring-Summer 2023 Men’s Ready-to-Wear collections will bring an exciting mix of local, regional and international talent and opportunity to Dubai – to engage, rethink the regular, inspire and push the boundaries on the menswear fashion offering here in the region.”

Day 1 opened to a fashion-tech premiere by Maison du Mac x Ferronato, featuring a life-size robotic dog on the runway to highlight the theme of tech accessories. As for the collection itself, it takes inspiration from the heyday of the French Riviera in the ‘60s with plenty of saturated tones on the palette.

London-based Permu was next on the show calendar at Arab Fashion Week, with designers Heyun Pan and Jing Qian making their debuts in Dubai with finely tailored cuts as the focus of attention. According to Permu, the label prioritises innovative garment pattern cutting to challenge conventional style norms.

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London-based Permu made its debut at Arab Fashion Week. Image Credit: Arab Fashion Council

Filipino designer Rian Fernandez presented his spring-summer 2023 collection full of earthy and warm tones for his line of menswear that takes inspiration from traditional suits and blazer elements. Fernandez is one of the most awarded Filipino designers having worked with the Miss Universe pageant for the last six years.

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Filipino designer Rian Fernandez went with sweeping capes and quilted vests. Image Credit: Arab Fashion Council

Day 1 was concluded with local Emirati streetwear label KA-1, with a collection created with comfort and functionality in mind for the modern generation. Think hoodies, t-shirts, and plenty of emblazoning over sand hues and olive green khakis.

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Emirati streetwear brand KA-1 was one of the highlights of Day 1 at Arab Fashion Week in Dubai Design District. Image Credit: Arab Fashion Council

On Day 2 we can look forward to more local talent from the likes of Anomalous and Michael Cinco with tonight’s presentations in Dubai Design District, so we’ll see you soon.