Day Two Highlights from Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025-26

The second day of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) Autumn/Winter 2025-26 continued to dazzle audiences with an array of cutting-edge collections that celebrated both emerging talent and established artistry. From the debut of Australian brand Paolo Sebastian to a showcase of Indian designers presenting sustainable luxury, DFW's day two schedule was packed with creativity and craftsmanship. The programme also featured Weinsanto’s bold blend of Parisian artistry, Antoine Kareh’s poetic exploration of light and shadows, and Velvety Couture’s tribute to the architectural genius of Zaha Hadid. Running at Dubai Design District (d3) until 6 February, DFW remains the region’s premier fashion destination, co-founded by d3 and the Arab Fashion Council.

Making its debut on the DFW stage, Paolo Sebastian captivated with an exclusive invite-only showcase that marked the first-ever Australian brand to grace the event. The Autumn/Winter collection was a romantic and ethereal affair, steeped in fairytale-inspired designs. Signature elements of the collection included dreamy silhouettes, illusion tulle, and impeccable craftsmanship, all woven together to create an otherworldly fantasy. Paolo Sebastian's ability to merge classic romance with contemporary elegance enchanted the audience, offering a collection that felt like a modern-day fairytale.

Victor Weinsanto’s *Cauchemar in the Kitchen* collection, presented by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), was a feast for the eyes and imagination. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Maxim’s restaurant in Paris, Weinsanto’s designs reinterpreted iconic restaurant motifs, blending them with Parisian sophistication and Art Nouveau intricacies. The vibrant collection featured a refined colour palette of beige, pink, brown, black, and white, with every piece adorned in exquisite embroidery. It was a striking fusion of fashion, art, and storytelling, where culinary history and contemporary fashion collided to tell a captivating narrative.

 

In partnership with the London School of Trends (LST), the New York Institute of Fashion (NIF Global) presented "Launchpad", a curated showcase that highlighted India’s emerging designers. The 40-piece collection focused on blending luxury with sustainability, featuring innovative designs that honored the country’s diverse cultural landscapes. With handwoven textiles, intricate embroidery, and modern silhouettes crafted from eco-friendly materials, the designers embraced heritage while pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion. This exciting presentation not only spotlighted the next generation of talent but also underscored DFW's dedication to fostering inclusivity and bridging cultural conversations within the fashion industry.

Antoine Kareh’s *The Guardian Shadow* collection was a poetic exploration of light, shadow, and depth. Inspired by the idea of shadows as guardians that define form and dimension, Kareh’s couture designs emphasized fluidity and contrast. The collection offered a harmonious balance of lightness and darkness, with each piece thoughtfully crafted to highlight movement, structure, and the ethereal nature of the human form. It was a masterclass in couture craftsmanship, where every silhouette conveyed the idea of shadows as vital, unseen forces that shape our perception of the world.