The sixth edition of Arab Fashion Week is being pegged as “the world’s first floating fashion event”, according to its organisers, drawing reference to its opulent venue aboard the swanky Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner, which is now converted into a hotel.
The four-day event, which runs from May 9 to 12, will feature 18 designers from 13 countries, presenting their latest in Resort and Ready Couture wear, along with running several industry panels as well.
Fresh off the success of Saudi Arabia’s first fashion week that was held last month, parent company Arab Fashion Council has also announced a partnership with the Dubai-based MBM Holding to create an organic fashion and retail ecosystem to draw investment to the country, along with laying the foundation for the augmentation of the ‘Made in UAE’ concept.
Jacob Abrian, CEO of the Arab Fashion Council, spoke about this year’s event to Gulf News tabloid!, describing it as a “unique time for the Arab world with retail powerhouse Saudi Arabia elevating the region’s fashion profile after it opened its doors to draw in big names and bigger businesses.”
“The UAE has already established itself as the fashion retail hub in the region. However, with our partnership with MBM Holding, our vision is to create a central channel that brings in all the different resources from the 22 countries — be it Egyptian cotton or Tunisian fabrics — to Dubai and transform this city into a buyers’ market that draws in all the major player,” Abrian said.
This year will also mark the launch of an eco-friendly collection under the AFC Green Label, which will create ‘Ready Couture’ ensembles while promoting fashion sustainability as well.
“All these initiatives are interconnected,” explained Abrian. “The future is in our hands and it’s up to us to create an environment that is conducive to sustaining our vision 2030 with the right foundation and the right education for designers of tomorrow.
————
Check it out!
Arab Fashion Week will be held between May 9-12 aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, which is docked at Port Rashid. Of the 18 designer fashion shows, Amato Couture, Aiisha Ramadan and Anastasia Raykova will represent the UAE, along with names such as Egypt’s Asory House, Harmony from Armenia, House of Muamua from Italy, among others.
