Fashion is and has always been about so much more than mere clothes- it is about expression, storytelling, statements, romance and beyond. And it would only make sense when the biggest fashion affairs channelise this. When immaculate craftsmanship is paired with depth and meaning, that is what goes down in the book of posterity, and you and I are the witnesses!
The Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/ Winter 25-26 commenced with a glamorous gravitas, and the glitz and glam only grew further. On February 3rd, 2025, Dubai Fashion Week brought together the newer and emerging designers and the internationally known and acclaimed designers to share the same stage. Or ramp, in this case, setting a tone of global togetherness.
NIF Global Launches The Day With A Sustainable Initiative
Along with the divine and poetic displays by Paolo Sebastian, Weinsanto and Aintoinne Kareh, there was a hint of modernity served by a collaborative effort between the New York Institute of Fashion and the London School of Trends. This modernity, combined with thoughtfulness and awareness, paved the way for their showcase titled “Launchpad”.
The showcase stood witness to young NIF Global designers representing India’s diverse cultural landscapes. The partnership was an array of innovative collections that presented a wonderful seamless fusion of luxury and sustainability.
It was led by a 40-piece collection that redefined heritage craftsmanship like handwoven textiles and exquisite embroidery accompanied by more modern silhouettes for a more global audience. It was a play on sustainability by indulging eco-friendly fabrics with intricate craftsmanship and trend-forward designs.
Paolo Sebastian Puts Australia On The Mark
Hosting its first Australian designer ever, Dubai Fashion Week welcomed Paolo Sebastian with a showcase of a scenic blend between romance and contemporary elegance, paired with dreamy silhouettes, ethereal illusion tulle and fairytale-inspired designs that left the spectators in awe. It beautifully presented the essence of the designer’s signature style as it was a mirror to the flawless blend of tradition and modern innovation, transporting everyone in the audience to a world of fantasy.
Weinsanto Brings Parisian Romance To Dubai Runway
Bringing the French Parisian charm to the stage, DFW member Victor Weinsanto enraptured the spectators with his “Cauchemar in the Kitchen” collection, integrating the Georges kitchen theme into his designs. Weinsanto blended his signature style with modern Parisian suaveness.
He drew inspiration from the venerated motifs of the world-famous Maxim restaurant, the collection showcased his jubilant print, a refined colour palette, with convoluted Nouveau-inspired embroidery. The entire showcase was a direct portrayal of the designer’s craft and creativity, mingled with art and storytelling.
Antoinne Kareh Executes Visual Poetry
“The Guardian Shadow” by Antoinne Kareh combined fashion with poetry to deliver an artfully explored showcase based on the interplay between light and darkness. The designer drew inspiration from the conceptuality of how shadow accompanies every individual and watches over them like Guardian Angels.
The showcase depicted how shadows are pivotal for defining form, depth and dimensions. Kareh brought a sense of altruistic realism and vivacity to the pieces by adding fluid, flowy silhouettes and contrasts throughout the pieces.
Velvety Couture’s Homage To Zaha Hadid’s Legacy
The day was concluded with Velvety Couture’s collection, which was inspired by Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center. The showcase aimed to unveil the blend between architecture and fashion, translating fluid curves with dynamic designs. The abundance of elegance can be seen with fabrics like chiffon, taffeta and velvet in white, black, grey and silver palettes to give it that richness and depth.
All the designers presented an amalgamation of fashion with romance, poetry and depth- which is also what we are mostly made of. That is exactly why fairytales appeal to us: we look for romance, and what better place to find it than in the very expression of self?
The second day came to an exuberant finish, but the showcase of fashion is anything but halted because with lineups like such, all one does is wait for the next day!
