Fashion Forward Dubai Season 5

The BnB team spent an amazing day at the 5th edition of Fashion Forward, the Middle East’s definitive fashion platform. The four day long event was a bevy of talent with an amazing lineup of regional designers showcasing their designs on the catwalk along with inspiring talks and panel discussions led by global industry experts and fashion academia. In the midst of high fashion you also have The Garden, The Fashion Gallery and Fashion Café exhibiting an assortment of accessory designers, retailers along with social events and parties.



Decked up in our Blogger badges, cameras in hand we were ready to roll. Day 2 had a great mix of designers from the region: Aiisha Ramadan, Yousef Al Jasmi, Maral, Jean Louis Sabaji, Zareena, Starch Foundation, Hussein Bazaza. Each designer presented a different spin on their local traditions and cultures, marrying it perfectly with contemporary aesthetics. And although the event was propagated as a medium for exposing local talent, the designs would have felt right at home at any of the fashion capitals. Which is not surprising considering that these designers have dressed the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger, Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga, Shakira and more.

The venue was teaming with fashionistas sporting stylish and stunning outfits. Our heads were spinning with the snazzy assault on our fashion sixth sense by the time we were ready to go home.A tight schedule did not permit us to attend all the shows but we were more than happy to attend and cover the ones we could.

EZRA

Ezra presented The Maria Clara Collection inspired by the gorgeous mestizas clad in their finest Maria Clara and the days of the Spanish occupancy in old Manila. The collection uses Piña, a fibre made from the leaves of pineapple plant mixed with silk to create a very organic textile, along with tulle, jacquard, crepe silk and neoprene. The whole experience was a mix of fairytale meets high fashion.

YOUSEF AL JASMI

Jasmi’s collection was an absolute feast on the eyes with shiny works of art gliding down the runway. The collection inspired by the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, used beaded mesh in a blast of gold, silver, black and was probably the most daring of the collections showcased. The Kuwaiti designer, who began designing at the age of 17, displayed his signature flair using an enchanting mix of rich textures and lavish materials with a heavy emphasis on luxurious detailing and embellishments.

AIISHA RAMADAN

Aiisha Ramadan’s City Lights was a relaunch of her brand and is inspired by the geometry and shadows reflected from the buildings which play on imagination. Each look was perfectly finished with exclusive jewelry, courtesy of Dhamani and represented elegance, a perfect fit for the modern woman.

DIMA AYAD

Ayad’s monochromatic designs were most definitely a celebration of the female form which has been the inspiration behind her line. The collection had a Victorian vibe juxtaposed against a Gatsby-isque aura, both iconic in female fashion history.

STARCH FOUNDATION

The Starch Foundation brought together Joe Arida, Nour Najem and Sarkis Dersahagian for Ardashes, showcasing a mix of eclectic designs in neon sequins & neoprene mixed with comfy cottons with cutouts, and summery poplin, oxford, twill for men. With lots of layering and functional fabrics, each design brought about a fresh summery air.

For more details on the event, designers and images connect with Fashion Forward.

All Catwalk Images Courtesy of Getty Images