Dubai Fashion Week Official SS26 for Womenswear and Menswear

Running from September 1 to 6, 2025, is more than just a series of runway shows—it’s Dubai’s declaration of intent to the global luxury fashion industry. Strategically placed at the very start of the international fashion calendar, DFW sets the stage before New York, London, Milan, and Paris take over. This season’s opening underscored Dubai’s unique proposition: a city where heritage, innovation, and global ambition converge.

From Arab Fashion Week to Global Institution

DFW’s roots lie in Arab Fashion Week, launched in 2015 by the Arab Fashion Council (AFC). The vision of Jacob Abrian, who founded AFC at the age of 22, was to put Arab creativity on the world stage. In 2023, the collaboration between the AFC and Dubai Design District (d3) gave birth to the rebranded Dubai Fashion Week—an event designed to rival the Big Four. Today, d3 is home to more than 1,100 creative businesses and has become the natural home for an event of this scale.

The strategy is clear: make Dubai the fashion capital of the Middle East and a global fashion hub. With The Buyers Programme, exclusive industry dinners, and initiatives like Fashion Futures, DFW ensures designers are not just seen—they’re connected to international markets, press, and buyers.

Emerging Trends and Themes for SS26

DFW is quickly becoming a barometer for what’s next in luxury. Key themes so far:

• Sustainability redefined: Upcycled fabrics, eco-conscious processes, and innovation (TOTON’s batik and paper clay artistry, designers like Fioletowy Studio utilizing eco-friendly silks and upcycled materials). 
• Cultural fusion: Eastern heritage meeting Western glamour, as seen in Rizman Ruzaini’s modernization of Malaysian batik with couture drama.
• Empowered femininity: Structured silhouettes, jewel tones, and architectural tailoring, seen in Zeena Zaki’s and Heba Jasmi’s work, and also in Chic & Holland’s regal gowns.
• Inclusivity: With 40% of designers hailing from emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia and Central America (according to AFC reports), DFW is positioning itself as a genuine trendsetter for global diversity.

Key Initiatives Driving Growth

• The Buyers Programme: Over 200 global buyers from Harrods to Neiman Marcus, generating $15M in orders last season.
• Fashion Futures (Sept 4–5): Panels on AI, sustainability, and digital fashion.
• SOUEAST Sponsorship: Electric vehicles showcased alongside couture—an alignment with Dubai’s 2030 sustainability goals.
• The Italian Trade Agency’s “Italian Day” on September 3 boosted UAE-Italy trade, with Italian fashion exports to the UAE up 18.8% in 2025 to €620 million.

Together, these initiatives reinforce Dubai’s role as a bridge between creativity and commerce.

The Growth Story: A First Stop for Global Fashion

What makes DFW stand out? Its inclusivity and globalism. Designers from Malaysia to Lebanon, India to Italy, Indonesia to Poland show alongside homegrown talents. Couture names like Michael Cinco and Manish Malhotra bring headline appeal, while emerging voices find an international platform. For many, it’s not just about showing collections—it’s about tapping into Dubai’s unique blend of luxury consumers, retail innovation, and cultural exchange.

By taking place ahead of New York, Dubai has cleverly positioned itself as the first word in the global style conversation.

Economic Impact and Global Reach

DFW contributes over $100 million annually to Dubai’s economy through tourism and retail, with 50,000+ attendees expected this season (a 20% increase from 2024). It attracts buyers from 50 countries, boosting exports for regional designers by 30%, per d3 stats. Celebrity sightings so far include influencers like Karen Wazen and Bollywood stars, amplifying social media reach—#DFWSS26 has over 1 million impressions on platforms like Instagram and X in the first two days.

Day One: Setting the Stage

The Spring/Summer 2026 edition opened with a spectacular display of diversity and cultural storytelling:

• Rizman Ruzaini paid homage to Malaysian heritage with Mustika—a love letter to the kebaya and batik, modernized with intricate embroidery and couture drama. Actually titled “RIMBA,” the collection drew from Southeast Asian rainforests, featuring flora-fauna motifs worn by global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna in past designs. 
• Followed by Heba Jasmi’s “Born to Rise,” redefining femininity with architectural elegance.
• Krésha Bajaj’s international debut, “The Archive of Hidden Things,” blends Gothic architecture and surrealist motifs in ready-to-wear couture.
• Amjad Khalil unveiled Beyond Black, a deeply personal collection that explores transformation through sculptural silhouettes that merge shadow and light.
• Erick Bendaña showcased Nicaraguan artistry, featuring prints, cultural motifs, and bold eveningwear that celebrated Central American identity.
• Angelo Estera closed with a show weaving influences from the Far East to the Sahara, a multicultural tapestry of rich textures and desert-inspired tones.

The takeaway? Day One was a manifesto: DFW doesn’t just host shows, it celebrates cultural roots while pushing forward-looking design.

Day Two: Power, Femininity, and Sustainability

On September 2, a diverse lineup showcased global talent:

• FLTRD (ARAD and I AM): Opened with a bold showcase of emerging Middle Eastern talent, emphasizing creativity and self-expression.
• Erick Bendaña (The Sun and The Moon): A celestial couture collection blending Nicaraguan heritage with golden gowns and silver cosmic spirals, enriched by Panamanian jeweler Michelle Ferrer.
• Fioletowy Studio (Elevation): Debuted a 30-look silk collection handcrafted in India, with Lisa Haydon as the showstopper, inspired by staircases and sustainable practices.
• Chic & Holland (300 Hours): Dutch couture with crystal-embellished gowns and baroque-inspired silhouettes, reflecting regal luxury.
• Maison Novague (L’Écriture du Corps): A poetic collection in ivory, gold, and scarlet, celebrating femininity through fluid silks and structured forms.

Day Two showcased DFW’s dual identity, where luxury craftsmanship meets sustainability and cultural richness.

Day Three: Italian Elegance and Global Innovation

Day 3 (September 3) marked a high point with “Italian Day,” a celebration of Italian craftsmanship presented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), alongside diverse global talents, showcasing DFW’s role as a cultural bridge:

• Valentina Poltronieri: Unveiled a vibrant SS26 collection blending bold colors and avant-garde silhouettes, emphasizing Italian artisanal techniques with a modern edge.
• Le Twins: Presented a playful yet sophisticated ready-to-wear collection, mixing streetwear influences with Italian tailoring, celebrating youthful energy.
• D-Exterior: Showcased sleek, minimalist designs with luxurious textures, reflecting Italy’s timeless elegance and contemporary flair.
• Gil Santucci: Delivered intricate couture pieces with delicate embroidery, drawing on Italian heritage to create romantic, ethereal looks.
• Avant Toi: Featured experimental knitwear with distressed textures and bold color palettes, pushing boundaries of Italian craftsmanship.
• Be Nina: Closed the Italian Day shows with feminine, flowy designs infused with vibrant prints, embodying Italian sophistication with global appeal.
• Anomalous: Futuristic designs with metallic accents, blending Middle Eastern and sci-fi aesthetics.
• Aavva: Bold, architectural silhouettes with intricate beadwork, reflecting Dubai’s modern luxury.
• Dhruv Kapoor: Gender-fluid designs merging Indian craftsmanship with contemporary streetwear.

Day Three reinforced DFW’s role as a cultural bridge, uniting Italian craftsmanship with global innovation.

Day Four: Heritage, Power, and Modern Femininity (September 4, 2025)

Day 4 featured seven designers, blending global perspectives with individuality, strength, and architectural elegance, with a focus on traditional motifs and contemporary silhouettes. High-profile guests included H.E. Husin Bagis, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE. Off-runway, The Outsiders Perspective dinner, hosted by Jamie Gill, connected influencers and buyers, fostering B2B opportunities.

• Mrs. Keepa (Malaysia): Opened with The Getaway at Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria, featuring crochet textures, fluid tailoring, mushroom and botanical motifs, earthy tones, and iridescent accents. Relaxed dresses and tailored separates symbolized escapism and self-expression.
• Dima Ayad (Lebanon): Showcased at Skooni, a body-positive collection with fluid silhouettes, metallic sheens, and dramatic draping, emphasizing inclusivity and modern femininity through versatile gowns and structured tops.
• Benang Jarum (Indonesia): Debuted Opulent Bloom, reimagining florals as symbols of power with flowing silhouettes, intricate detailing, and jewel tones, highlighting Indonesian craftsmanship.
• Nada Puspita (Indonesia): Presented Lace Poem, exploring delicate yet strong forms through lace, vibrant colors (mustard yellow, burgundy, blue, pinks), and textured layers, balancing fragility and resilience.
• Jozeph Diarbakrli (Lebanon): Debuted a Hollywood-inspired collection honoring iconic women, with structured suiting, sparkling fabrics, and bold silhouettes evoking diva glamour.
• XD Xenia Design (Croatia): Showcased XD Couture: The Art of Making Clothes, inspired by Kintsugi, with sculptural silhouettes, exaggerated sleeves, sheer organza, and a neutral palette accented by jewel tones, symbolizing beauty in imperfection.
• Lama Jouni (Lebanon): Closed with a minimalist collection merging utilitarian streetwear and luxe elements, featuring a monochrome palette, chic dresses, and tailored pieces for the modern woman.

Day Four generated $5 million in preliminary buyer orders via The Buyers Programme, reinforcing DFW’s commercial impact.

Day Five: Innovation, Modest Luxury, and Emerging Talents (September 5, 2025)

Day 5 shifted toward quiet luxury, cultural heritage, and future-forward design, featuring six showcases that spotlighted modest fashion and youth innovation. Over 20 emerging talents from FAD Institute stole the spotlight, while established names brought sophistication. A highlight was the launch of Michael Cinco’s collaboration with SOUEAST, unveiling a custom art car blending couture aesthetics with sustainable automotive design—symbolizing DFW’s cross-industry push. The day drew buyers from Harrods and Saks, emphasizing commercial viability.

• THAT Concept Store (UAE): Opened with a bold FW25 women’s ready-to-wear showcase (previewing into SS26 trends), featuring sculptural balloon silhouettes, reimagined denim, fluid drapery, fringe details, and autumnal tones. Statement accessories and innovative fabrics highlighted individuality, positioning it as a hub for contemporary luxury.
• Buttonscarves (UAE): Unveiled Lucent Dusk, a luxury modest fashion collection in muted palettes with satin, jacquard, tweed, cotton, and organza. Intricate beadwork and oversized bags defined the looks, focusing on elegant, versatile hijabs and abayas that blend tradition with modern wearability.
• Otté (UAE): Presented SS26 quiet luxury with clean, relaxed silhouettes in timeless neutrals, crafted from sumptuous fabrics like silk and linen. The collection emphasized understated confidence through minimalist dresses and separates, appealing to a global modest fashion audience.
• Jasper Conran London (UK): Showcased SS25 (bridging to SS26) with timeless elegance—tailored dresses, bold colors, and sophisticated accessories. Craftsmanship shone in structured gowns and eveningwear, blending British heritage with Dubai’s opulent vibe for red-carpet appeal.
• Tara Babylon (Iraq/UK): Debuted SS26 ready-to-wear with cultural storytelling, featuring hand-painted florals, watercolor prints in Middle Eastern blues, and a couture capsule with Babylonian embroidery. Themes of heritage and femininity were evident in flowing kaftans and embroidered jackets, celebrating ancient motifs in modern contexts.
• FAD Institute (UAE, Emerging Talents): Closed with an inspiring runway of over 20 budding designers’ innovative ready-to-wear and prêt-à-porter. Collections explored heritage (e.g., embroidered Arabesque patterns), architecture (geometric structures), and surrealism (asymmetrical forms), using experimental techniques like 3D printing and upcycled fabrics. Standouts included sustainable pieces from UAE-based talents, signaling the next generation of Middle Eastern fashion.

This day underscored sustainability, with 50% of collections incorporating eco-materials, aligning with Dubai’s net-zero goals.

Day Six: Theatrical Closure and Cultural Storytelling (September 6, 2025)

The final day featured four high-energy shows, focusing on empowerment, avant-garde playfulness, and East-West dialogues, attracting international press and buyers. Les Benjamins’ show generated the most social media traction, closing the week with a cultural crescendo.

• Lili Blanc (Spain/UAE): Opened with She Boss Aura, honoring women’s independence through structured yet fluid designs in crepe, silk, organza, and mikado, contrasted with sequins, denim, and vegan leather in black, off-white, silver, pink, and deep blue, emphasizing modern boss-lady elegance.
• Weinsanto (France): Supported by La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the brand presented SS25 (SS26 preview) with theatrical flair, featuring avant-garde silhouettes, bold textures (feathers, metallics), and vibrant colors, all while celebrating individuality.
• Emergency Room (Lebanon): Collaborated with Timberland for SS25, reimagining classics like the Original Yellow Boot with an urban edge, utilizing leather and suede with streetwear accents to promote sustainable, versatile footwear.
• Les Benjamins (Turkey/UAE): Closed with El Gringo, a streetwear masterpiece that explores East-West cultural exchange from a Near Eastern perspective in Mexico. Inspired by proto-Turkish migrations, Frida Kahlo, and Chavela Vargas, the collection featured geometric patterns that linked Anatolian kilims and Navajo blankets, along with relaxed trousers, fringed jackets, and beadwork in desert palm and galaxy blue. The VEyasin soundtrack blended hip-hop and Anatolian funk, amplifying themes of migration and identity.

Day Six secured $2 million in export deals for Les Benjamins, contributing to DFW’s economic impact of over $100 million.

Why Dubai Fashion Week Matters

DFW is a global contender, not a regional curiosity. With buyers from 50 countries, heritage houses, and press coverage, it’s the Middle East’s answer to the Big Four. For luxury fashion, this means:

• A bridge between East and West in aesthetics and market reach.
• A showcase of sustainability and cultural heritage as central narratives.
• A platform for regional designers to gain global exposure.

How to Engage with DFW

Watch live streams on dubaifashionweek.org or @dubaifashionweek on Instagram. Tickets for public shows start at AED 200; buyer/press accreditation is free via application. Pop-up stores at D3 offer exclusive pieces from designers such as Fioletowy Studio, Dima Ayad, and Manish Malhotra. The Italian Trade Agency and Level Shoes exhibition (September 2–6) showcased Italian craftsmanship, open to the public.

As Days 1 through 6 have shown, DFW fearlessly fuses heritage with high glamour, sustainability with spectacle, with Malhotra’s finale epitomizing this blend. It’s a must-watch on the September calendar—a reminder that the future of fashion is shaped not only by Paris or Milan, but by a city that masters reinvention.

For The Luxury Closet community of buyers and collectors, Dubai Fashion Week is more than a showcase—it’s a preview of tomorrow’s most coveted pieces. The runway sets the tone for silhouettes, fabrics, and design stories that will soon shape the resale market. From Manish Malhotra’s couture masterpieces to TOTON’s sustainable innovations, DFW proves that pre-owned luxury is not just about the past—it’s about staying ahead of the curve.

✨ Shop the runway’s influence now. Find Dubai-inspired trends and timeless luxury at prices you’ll love—only at The Luxury Closet.

Next stop: New York. But today, Dubai has already defined what’s next—and you can own it first.

Sources: 

https://dubaifashionweek.org/ 

https://dubaiprhub.com/italian-fashion-highlights-from-dfw-spring-summer-2026/

https://tecomgroup.ae/press-release-dubai-fashion-week-kicks-off-spring-summer-2026-programme-tonight.html 

https://dubaidesigndistrict.com/media/press-releases/la-moda-italiana-vol-ii-to-take-centre-stage-at-dubai-fashion-week-with-the-italian-day-in-dubai

https://kendam.com/photos/album/vvkw_yckcjamfv

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOYiCFFDFbM/

FAQs

1. When is Dubai Fashion Week SS26? 

Dubai Fashion Week SS26 starts from September 1 to 6, 2025, at the Dubai Design District (d3). It’s the first event on the global fashion calendar, preceding New York Fashion Week.

2. Who are the designers at Dubai Fashion Week SS26?

Key participants include Rizman Ruzaini (Malaysia), Heba Jasmi (Dubai), Krésha Bajaj (India), Erick Bendaña (Nicaragua), TOTON (Indonesia), Michael Cinco (Philippines), Manish Malhotra (India), Zeena Zaki (Iraq), and Italian houses for “Italian Day” like those from La Moda Italiana—over 25 brands from 15+ countries.

3. What is the full schedule for Dubai Fashion Week SS26?

Day 1 (Sept 1): Rizman Ruzaini (7 PM), Heba Jasmi (8 PM), Krésha Bajaj (9 PM).

Day 2 (September 2): FLTRD (4 PM), Erick Bendaña (6 PM), Fioletowy (7 PM), Chic & Holland (8 PM), Maison Novague (9 PM).

Day 3 (September 3): Valentina Poltronieri, Le Twins, D-Exterior, Gil Santucci, Avant Toi, Be Nina, Anomalous, Aavva, Dhruv Kapoor.

Day 4 (September 4): Mrs. Keepa, Dima Ayad, Benang Jarum, Nada Puspita, Jozeph Diarbakrli, XD Xenia Design, Lama Jouni.

Day 5 (September 5): THAT Concept Store, Buttonscarves, Otté, Jasper Conran London, Tara Babylon, Manish Malhotra.

Day 6 (September 6): Lili Blanc, Weinsanto, Emergency Room, Les Benjamins.

#See dubaifashionweek.org/calendar.

4. How can I attend Dubai Fashion Week 2025?

Register for guest accreditation on dubaifashionweek.org. Public tickets for select shows start at AED 200; buyers and press get free access via application. Virtual viewing is available via live streams on the official site and Instagram.

5. Is Dubai Fashion Week free to attend?

Most runway shows require invitations or paid tickets (AED 200–500), but pop-ups and panels at d3 are often free of charge. Visitor passes for industry events may be complimentary for qualified attendees.

6. How to watch Dubai Fashion Week live online?

Stream shows on dubaifashionweek.org, YouTube, or Instagram (@dubaifashionweek). Highlights are shared on #DFWSS26 across social media.

7. What are the highlights of Manish Malhotra’s Dubai Fashion Week SS26 collection?

Manish Malhotra’s The World Collection: Dubai on Day 5 featured Indian craftsmanship with global silhouettes, reimagining pantsuits with sharp shoulders, fluid fabrics, and shimmering embellishments in jewel tones. Floor-length gowns and intricate embroidery, showcased by Malaika Arora, celebrated Indian couture and Arabic influences, securing $3 million in export deals.

8. What are the highlights of Dubai Fashion Week SS26 Day 4?

Mrs. Keepa’s The Getaway with crochet textures, Dima Ayad’s inclusive silhouettes, Benang Jarum’s Opulent Bloom, Nada Puspita’s Lace Poem, Jozeph Diarbakrli’s Hollywood-inspired glamour, XD Xenia Design’s Kintsugi-inspired couture, and Lama Jouni’s minimalist streetwear.

9. What are the highlights of Dubai Fashion Week SS26 Day 5?

Manish Malhotra’s grand finale, THAT Concept Store’s sculptural designs, Buttonscarves’ modest luxury, Otté’s minimalist elegance, Jasper Conran’s tailored gowns, and Tara Babylon’s Babylonian-inspired prints, with a Michael Cinco-SOUEAST art car collaboration.

10. What are the highlights of Dubai Fashion Week SS26 Day 6?

Lili Blanc’s She Boss Aura, Weinsanto’s theatrical silhouettes, Emergency Room’s Timberland collaboration, and Les Benjamins’ El Gringo explore East-West cultural exchange with geometric patterns and bold streetwear.

11. What is “Italian Day” at Dubai Fashion Week?

On September 3, six Italian houses (e.g., Valentina Poltronieri, Le Twins) showcased SS26 collections via La Moda Italiana, highlighting Italy’s 16% UAE fashion market share.

12. Are there sustainability initiatives at DFW SS26?

Fioletowy Studio uses eco-friendly silks, and SOUEAST’s electric vehicle sponsorship aligns with Dubai’s net-zero goals. AFC panels promote sustainable supply chains.

13. Who founded Dubai Fashion Week?

Co-founded by the Arab Fashion Council (led by Jacob Abrian) and Dubai Design District in 2023, evolving from Arab Fashion Week (2015). It aims to position Dubai as a global fashion hub.

14. What makes Dubai Fashion Week different from other fashion weeks?

It’s the Middle East’s premier event, focusing on East-West fusion, sustainability, and inclusivity for emerging designers. Unlike Paris or Milan, it marks the beginning of the global fashion season, seamlessly integrating cultural heritage with luxury, and attracting a diverse range of buyers.