fw23

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.