Arab fashion council

As Dubai Fashion Week FW23 neared its end, Michael Cinco presented a collection inspired by the Duomo di Milano – an iconic cathedral renowned for its transcendent gothic architecture.
Michael Cinco. Photo: Jeremy Zaessinger
The Dubai-based couturier is known for creating gowns that exude timeless regality and maximalist glamour loved by some of the biggest names on the planet. Intricate designs, Swarovski embellishments, and the most luxe fabrics are only a few of the elements that make this Filipino designer’s creations one-of-a-kind.

Read on to know all about Michael Cinco’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us more about your collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week.
The Duomo di Milano is a symbol of beauty, elegance, and grace. The stunning architecture of the iconic cathedral provides an endless source of inspiration. The intricate carvings, delicate lacework, and soaring arches of the cathedral offer a wealth of possibilities for a collection that seeks to capture its essence. I wanted to pay tribute to this beautiful place through pieces that pay homage to this timeless masterpiece of architecture and help ensure its legacy endures for generations to come. The showcased collection reveals a variety of jackets, with each one of them having an intricate design and unique embroidery work that reflects the gothic architecture of the Duomo di Milano. The collection predominantly featured black and grey hues and was embellished with stunning Swarovski crystals that added an extra touch of glamour. Notably, this collection differed from previous ones, as it included pre-a-porter pieces that could be effortlessly worn throughout the day and night, for various occasions.
What kind of woman are your designs made for?
The collection has been carefully selected for women who are modern and feminine yet bold and royal. These are women who are not afraid to make a statement and stand out from the crowd.
How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?
Dubai Fashion Week has set a high bar for itself, having earned the distinction of being the fifth most significant global event in the fashion industry. As a Dubai-based brand with over 25 years of experience, Michael Cinco is honored to participate in this prestigious event, which provides a platform for designers to express their creativity freely and boldly. The Dubai government’s support and inspiration have played a significant role in creating an environment that fosters business growth, and I would like to express my gratitude to them. This event is a celebration of the visionary leaders who have worked tirelessly to make Dubai the modern, safe, and vibrant place it is today.
Name one regional and international celebrity you would love to see in your designs.
It has always been my dream to dress my favorite actress Cate Blanchett, alongside Nadine Nassib Njem in our region.
What’s next for your brand?
Michael Cinco‘s strategy for growth involves introducing a pret-a-porter collection that caters to women of all backgrounds, as well as expanding into accessories and fragrances. The brand recently launched a line of high-end jewelry featuring contemporary and daring designs that embody the couture spirit for which it is renowned. Additionally, the brand is also venturing into the fragrance industry with diverse scents.
Read Next: Dubai Fashion Week FW23: Lama Jouni Celebrates Feminine Elegance on the Runway

The final day of Dubai Fashion Week FW23 saw Marmar Halim pay homage to the majestic deserts of the region.
Photo: Instagram.com/marmarhalim
For her latest collection, Halim succeeded in exuding a certain romantic allure and quiet elegance that has become characteristic of the Egyptian designer. After moving to Dubai with little to her name, Halim built a brand that is coveted in the Middle East and beyond, and was chosen by celebrities such as Huda Kattan, Halle Bailey, and Hend Sabri. Mostly using delicate fabrics like charmeuse, silk, rayon, and chiffon, she has developed a signature Marmar Halim look, one that is preferred by a discerning clientele with impeccable taste.

Read on to know all about Marmar Halim’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us a bit about your collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week.
The collection is called, Hawma’a, َھ ْو َماء , meaning desert in Arabic. I translated two dilemmas from my everyday reality and my imagination by merging both classic cuts into exaggerated pieces, unfinished finishing, and manipulated fabrics with draped silhouettes. The collection entails sharp cuts with fabric manipulation that gives “hawma’a” textures.
What kind of a woman are your designs made for?
Our designs are made to flatter all body types and sizes. I believe that when a woman wears Marmar Halim, it translates the feeling I have while designing that piece. She should feel confident and comfortable.
How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?
I am very proud that an Arab country is finally part of the international calendar. It’s time to show that regional Arab designers are as creative and capable as renowned fashion houses. I am honored to be part of the history that is being made.
Name one celebrity you would love to see in your designs.
Kim Kardashian, as she’s a fashion icon!
What’s next for your brand?
As you know, in our field, learning never stops. We are constantly learning and growing as we go. I want to see Marmar Halim becoming more international and achieving recognition outside of the Middle East and I think we are slowly moving in this very direction.
Read Next: Dubai Fashion Week FW23: Dima Ayad on Brightening Up the Runway with Her Vibrant New Collection

On Dubai Fashion Week FW23‘s penultimate day, Lama Jouni speaks to Vogue Arabia about her latest collection.
Photo: Courtesy of Lama Jouni
Staying true to the roots of her eponymous brand, Jouni turned the runway into a celebration of the female form, each piece infused with her signature elegance and impeccable tailoring.
The Lebanese designer and DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize 2017 finalist launched Lama Jouni in 2013 after spending years honing her craft at renowned design houses such as Balmain and Rad Hourani. Since then, she has been subject to great critical acclaim and dressed some of the most renowned celebrities in the world.

Read on to know all about Lama Jouni’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us more about your collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week.

For this season, I wanted to add more offerings to the essential line, showcasing new materials that are elevated for occasional wear. However, I have kept some of the core pieces that represent the brand’s DNA.

What kind of woman are your designs made for?

I design for women that are confident and practical but most importantly I want to provide women with pieces that will boost their femininity and make them feel empowered in their bodies.

How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?

I am always happy to see the industry growing in the region, and therefore, I will always try to be a part of this growth and help expand our creativity internationally.
Name one regional and international celebrity you would love to see in your designs.

Regionally I would love to dress Nadine Labaki, and internationally, Hunter Schafer and Zoë Kravitz.

What’s next for your brand?

On Dubai Fashion Week FW23’s penultimate day, Dima Ayad speaks to Vogue Arabia about her latest collection.
Dima Ayad and Laura Leonide wearing Dima Ayad. Photo: Rudolf Azzi
With a brand that is all about timeless beauty and helping every woman discover her innate allure regardless of shape or size, the Lebanese designer’s show mirrored these exact values as the Dubai Fashion Week runway became a kaleidoscope of colors.
Ayad launched her eponymous label in 2010 as the result of a market that refused to cater to anyone that looked like her. Frustrated at the lack of plus-size clothing that really embraced women of all sizes,  Ayad left her career in hospitality to build a brand that champions inclusivity. Today, she is celebrated as one of the leading designers in the region and has become a favorite for women all across the board.

Read on to know all about Dima Ayad’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us more about your collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week.I called it ‘Freedom in Color’ seeing as fashion is a form of expression and I got a bit tired of dark runways for winter. We have mild winters and I thought to brighten everything up this season.
What kind of woman are your designs made for?Every woman really. She’s on the go. Wants to stand out. Has that je ne sais quoi confidence and most definitely lights up a room.
How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?
I’m truly honored to be a part of this and very excited to see what’s coming. The region is having its moment and we are here for it!

Ashley Graham for Dima Ayad. Photo: Courtesy of Dima Ayad

Name one regional and international celebrity you would love to see in your designs.
For regional celebrities, I would say, Queen Rania and Amal Clooney. Internationally, one dream came true with Ashley Graham. Julia Roberts is very high on my list and always will be!

What’s next for your brand?
We’re in the growth phase and so much is happening at the moment. We’d love to be in many concessions around the world, the key online retailers too. We’re now back into showing every season and excited about a few international collaborations in the pipeline.

Photo: Instagram.com/weinsanto
Victor Weinsanto, the creative force behind his eponymous brand, brought his sartorial excellence to Day 3 of Dubai Fashion Week of FW23.  The young designer, who launched his brand in 2020 was originally a dancer and is known for his playful spirit – his shows are often full of theatrics and drama that can only come from a deep seeded love for performance art.
Before going out on his own, Weinsanto had worked at renowned brands such as Y/project and Chloé but his greatest experience came from working for two years with Jean Paul Gaultier, another designer known for his ability in transcending boundaries while having fun with fashion. Weinsanto often finds inspiration in live entertainment and art, choosing his muses and friends from creative backgrounds as models and even collaborating with some.
This designer who launched his debut collection in Paris under the watchful eye of fashion royalty such as Simon Porte Jacquemus and Adrian Joffe is now ready to present his colorful creations to everyone in Dubai.

Read on to know all about Weinsanto’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us a bit about your collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week.The collection I will be showcasing in Dubai is called ‘The Life we deserve… or not’. It is all about love and achievements. The base print is made by my best friend and artist Romain Eugene Campens and is a really good representation of what I love. It’s colorful but also really abstract. The shapes are both huge and fitted and you will also find a lot of corsetry that I love.

What kind of woman are your designs made for?My designs are made for strong personalities but I genuinely would love to see a lot of different women wearing my designs. I love when my best friend and my mum love the same piece. That means to me that the brand can represent a lot of people. My clients are coming from a lot of different places in the world and are often completely different, I love that!

How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?
It’s a huge honor to be part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week! I am extremely grateful to the council for trusting me and allowing me to showcase my work in Dubai. I love the culture here but what I love even more is that Dubai is now a major city for fashion and creativity.

The cast of your show also features Tunisian model Ameni Esseibi. What makes her an ideal fit for Weinsanto?Ameni inspires me so much and is such an inspiration for so many women in the world. I love her because she is fierce but also because she is a really kind person. She deserves the world and I am grateful to see her in my design. We definitely need way more diversity on the runways.

Name one regional and international celebrity you would love to see in your designs.It’s hard to choose one so I would say two. I would love to see Rihanna and Beyoncé wearing one of my designs.What’s next for your brand?We will soon discover what is next but hopefully something great. I would love to do more collaborations and grow our retailers. I love not knowing what is gonna be next. It is scary and exciting at the same time. Fingers crossed.Read Next: Everything to Know About the Upcoming Dubai Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023/24

Furne One. Photo: Jeremy Zaessinger
The much-awaited Dubai Fashion Week FW23 is finally here and Amato Couture is ready to celebrate its avant-garde spirit and renowned artistry at a show titled ‘Untainted’.
Amato Couture was born when award-winning Filipino designer Furne One happened to meet a Pakistani textile boutique owner, Rashid Ali, in a Dubai that was just starting to become the cosmopolitan it is today. Ali has always had a passion for rare textiles, a love that allowed him to come into contact with the biggest designers and fashionistas in Dubai. Combining this knowledge of what people in the region really wanted with Furne One’s creative genius, the two were able to create a design house loved in the region and beyond.

Read on to know all about Amato Couture’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us more about the collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week. 
Amato will stick to its DNA – edgy, avant-garde, mystical, theatrical, and most of all – full of wits and drama. I want to celebrate my artistry as well as the artists that work behind the scenes. Our city thrives on fashion because of the people that work tirelessly to cut, stitch, and embellish the dress. These are skilled workers who have a passion for arts and crafts.
I will play around my strengths and you will see the best pieces that we have produced over the past years in the business. All my iconic pieces and silhouettes will be shown in this collection. The collection is entitled ‘Untainted’.
They will see the arts and craftsmanship that I and my team are putting to create these masterpieces. I want to highlight the artistry of those beautiful dresses and as always, this is what Amato Couture has been championing since the very beginning.
What kind of woman are your designs made for? 
Amato women are never afraid of the dictates of fashion. She clearly knows herself and will never doubt her choices. Brave, bold, yet benevolent. She is someone who will stand out in a crowd with utmost pride and dignity. She is playful yet passionate. She is feminine yet dominant. She is provocative yet inspiring.

How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?
Dubai Fashion Week means a lot to me being a heritage brand that originally came from the depths of this magnificent city. My brand is a product of Dubai which I established more than 25 years ago. Fast forward, here we are with a momentous achievement in the fashion world, stamping this city in the global fashion scene as one of the most eclectic fashion hubs of the world.
This new chapter means growth while celebrating the roots. We are here today because of the people who worked hard before us. So I believe the Dubai Fashion Week is a celebration of this incredible milestone as well as introducing new regional talents to a wider global audience.
Name one regional and international celebrity you would love to see in your designs. 
I would love to see HM Queen Rania of Jordan and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser wear my creations as these iconic women are just so fashionable. Everything they wear looks magical.
For international celebrities, I want to see younger stars wearing my dresses such as Zendaya, and Lily Collins, and pop stars such as Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and many more.
What’s next for Amato Couture? 
I often get this question in all of my interviews but I think the right answer here at this moment is I want to enjoy and celebrate where the Amato brand is right now. We have been working tirelessly since 25 years ago to make our name on the global scene and we have achieved it successfully – international shows, celebrity clientele, and global media exposure. Now with the changing dynamic of consumer behaviors, a wide array of channels for fashion influencing and the economical situation of the world, I think what’s next for me is to keep my creativity flowing and be inspired by the craft that I decided to make my life and career. However, a lot of things are definitely in the pipeline, so you better watch out.
Read Next: The Incredible Men Behind Amato, Ezra Couture, and Michael Cinco Talk About Maximalism in Fashion

Photo: Instagram.com/michael5inco
The official schedule for Dubai Fashion Week is finally here, and residents are gearing up for one of the most significant sartorial extravaganzas in the region. The event, which was announced in early February this year has been launched by the Arab Fashion Council in collaboration with Dubai Design District and will be taking place from March 10-15.
This sure-to-be memorable Dubai Fashion show follows the success of past events such as the Arab Fashion Week and International Fashion Week Dubai, which have showcased designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Iris Van Herpen. Expect to see the most exquisite men’s, women’s, ready-to-wear, and couture collections coming down the runway as the region’s fashion crowd descends upon Dubai.
Following in the footsteps of global fashion capitals – Paris, Milan, New York, and more – Dubai Fashion Week is set to provide a platform for both emerging and established designers. From international names like Weinsanto and Francesca Libertore to more regional brands such as the Lebanese designer Bazaza or streetwear authority B Hype, this event is going to have it all. Keeping in line with the culture of the region, designs on the runway are sure to reflect its affinity for modest wear so for those on the lookout for a “Dubai modest fashion week”, this Dubai fashion show will have something for everyone.

With just one week to go, check out Dubai Fashion Week Fall/Winter 23-24 schedule below.
March 10, 2023 – Mens
Amato Retrospective
6:00 pm – H1, Dubai Design District (d3)
Maison Du Mec 
7:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Mok 
7:30 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Anomalous x Hot Wheels 
8:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
B Hype 
9:00 pm – The Block, Dubai Design District (d3)
March 11, 2023 – Men’s
House of Victor 
6:00 pm – H1, Dubai Design District (d3)
The Whales 
7:00 pm – H2, Dubai Design District (d3)
American Rag 
8:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Temma Prasetio 
8:30 pm – H1, Dubai Design District (d3)
Emergency Room 
9:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
March 12, 2023 – Women
Lili Blanc 
6:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Pipatchara 
7:30 pm – H2, Dubai Design District (d3)
Weinsanto 
8:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Late for work
8:30 pm – H2, Dubai Design District (d3)
March 13, 2023 – Women’s
BLSSD
7:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Ivodia London 
7:30 pm – H2, Dubai Design District (d3)
Lilo 
8:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Francesca Liberatore 
8:30 pm – H1, Dubai Design District (d3)
Slimi Studio 
9:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Bazaza 
10:00 pm – Dubai Design District (d3)
March 14, 2023 – Women’s
Dima Ayad 
7:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Pressiat 
8:00 pm – H2, Dubai Design District (d3)
Lama Jouni
8:30 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Mrs Keepa 
10:00 pm – Digital on the Maison’s Social
March 15, 2023 – Couture
Marmar Halim 
7:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Karolina K.
8:00 pm – H2, Dubai Design District (d3)
Lamia Abi Nader 
8:30 pm – H1, Dubai Design District (d3)
Michael Cinco 
10:00 pm – United Hall, Dubai Design District (d3)
Read Next: Everything to Know About the Upcoming Dubai Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023/24