Day Five Highlights from Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025-26
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) continued its dazzling Autumn/Winter 2025-26 showcase with a penultimate day rich in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion. The evening was a celebration of global heritage, with designers weaving stories of tradition and modernity on the runway.
THAT Concept Store brought together a powerhouse lineup of international designers for a striking Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear presentation. The runway reflected a fusion of aesthetics, featuring Hellessy’s refined minimalism, Christopher Esber’s effortlessly chic silhouettes, and Khaite’s masterful tailoring. Philosophy delivered artful sophistication, while Giuseppe di Morabito, Studio Amelia, and Rock by GS showcased bold and edgy fashion-forward pieces. Completing the show was Bil Arabi’s statement jewelry, adding a touch of opulence to the curated collection.
SaiJamin’s ‘Adiyuh: Memories and Dreams’ was a deeply personal collection, paying tribute to designer Jamilya Afashagova’s childhood and the influence of her father. Inspired by an old Kabardian song, the collection embraced nostalgia with flowing silk and jacquard fabrics in shades of blues, pinks, whites, and blacks — echoing the natural beauty of the Caucasus. The interplay of tradition and modernity reflected the designer’s heartfelt homage to independence, heritage, and emotional storytelling through fashion.
Luxury urban wear label Molato made waves with ‘Beldi Beneath the Waves,’ a collection honoring Morocco’s cultural artistry. ‘Beldi,’ meaning traditional and handmade, was at the heart of the collection, merging intricate handwoven techniques with contemporary couture elements. The designs encapsulated the fluidity of the ocean, bringing forth a unique dialogue between craftsmanship and innovation, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to authenticity and cultural pride.
Making its debut as DFW’s first-ever Correspondent Designer, Istanbul-based Les Benjamins took audiences on a journey through ancient mythology with its ‘Altai Turks/Altaicana’ collection. Drawing inspiration from the indigenous Altai people, the collection seamlessly blended heritage motifs with luxury streetwear, bringing an evocative and bold aesthetic to the runway.
The Buyer’s Programme: Bridging Designers and Retail Giants
The three-day Buyer’s Programme wrapped up, having facilitated valuable opportunities for designers to present their collections to an elite selection of international buyers. Among the standout names were Amer (Lebanon), Amina Galal (Egypt), Bil Arabi (UAE), Born Outside Italy (UAE/Italy), Elise (Kuwait/Paris), Emergency Room (Lebanon), Ilyes Ouali (London), Joanna Laura (Lebanon), Late for Work (Morocco), and Yassmin Saleh (UAE/Lebanon). The programme underscored DFW’s role as a global platform fostering meaningful connections between emerging talent and the fashion industry’s key players.
Dubai Fashion Week’s Grand Finale Awaits
DFW, co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, is set to conclude its AW25-26 season with an eagerly awaited closing show by Indian haute couture visionary Manish Malhotra. With a lineup that has celebrated heritage, innovation, and artistic expression, the final day promises to be a fitting crescendo to an extraordinary fashion week.
DFW is powered by strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Visa as the official technology partner, Balmain Hair Couture as the official hair partner, Kiko Milano as the official makeup partner, and ME Dubai as the official hospitality partner. Additional support comes from Electra and Magnum for production and audiovisual needs, along with Fiji Water and Bisou as hydration and lounge partners, respectively.
Stay tuned for the grand finale as Dubai Fashion Week closes in spectacular style, setting the tone for the future of luxury fashion in the region and beyond.
Follow the latest updates: @dubaifashionweek | @d3dubai | @arabfashioncouncil
