The inaugural Middle East Fashion Week came to a close on March 30th 2022 and is already being hailed a resounding success by the global fashion community. The Fashion Week which was held in Dubai, the region’s fashion capital, attracted a stellar line-up of both regional and international designers. The five-day event was held across different locations, with the 3-days of fashion shows and showrooms held at The Agenda in Dubai Media City. A chic gala dinner and awards ceremony co-hosted with the Better World Fund kicked off the event on March 26th. It ended with a private luncheon at the Boca Restaurant, DIFC, winner of the Most Sustainable Business Model of 2020 in the GCC. 

Opening the Fashion Week was MEFC sponsored Dubai-based Atelier Zuhra’s strikingly modern collection, designed to reflect her savoir faire, while bridging east and west. 

The legendary Professor Jimmy Choo OBE stunned the audience with his exquisite couture and bridal line, The Atelier Couture. 

A Sustainable Fashion Forum was also held on March 28th, co-hosted by The Sustainable City, bringing together thought leaders and change makers in the industry to address fundamental issues within sustainable fashion.

The audiences witnessed pure Milanese elegance with Barbara Rizzi, whose show rythmed with acclaimed singer Princess Bee, who launched her new album in Dubai, gracing the catwalks as the models walked in pure elegance. Bridal specialist Amelia Casablanca, a 60-year old heritage Sicilan brand and one of the world’s fastest-growing brands of bridal couture and Millia London were also among the key talent bringing the MEFW catwalks to life with shows choreographed to perfection.

Paris-based fashion guru, Jean Luc Amsler, showcased the brand’s high level of fine knitwear, while giving it the right dose of pop with accessories by Seah Designs. Sol by Irena Soprano, designer to stars including Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Paris Hilton, elevated the week with her sensual and empowering evening line, fit for any red carpet occasion. 

The Fashion Week concluded with a grand finale from the Middle East Fashion Council’s Inaugural edition talent, QUOD. Born in New York and based in New Delhi, QUOD combines sustainability with design thinking, a core element of MEFC’s philosophy, and speaks a global language that bridges east and west seamlessly.  

The Council proudly showcased FAD Talents as part of our initiative to support young regional talent. “With a vision to support young & regional talent, FAD is proud to showcase our graduate collections at the Middle East Fashion Week this season.” Shivang Dhruva of FAD Institute of Luxury, Fashion & Style quotes.

“The pandemic has made it increasingly hard for many upcoming designers to take their craft to the world, so with MEFW, we are bringing the world to them.” adds Simon L Gatto, CEO & Founder of MEFC.

Other highlights of the week included the Dubai-based Si Fashion Showroom bringing together cutting edge brands from around the globe for a heart-pumping show with a live performance. 

The Showrooms, a concept introduced by The Middle East Fashion Council, were a hive of activity where buyers and media had the opportunity to meet the designers and view the collections up close.

In another first, MEFW’s Official Perfumer, the most prestigious of global fragrance houses, Firmenich Fine Fragrances, created an exquisite in-house fragrance as part of Fashion Week’s experiential and innovative concept.

“We are so grateful to all our designers and partners who have supported us to deliver on our mission to unite fashion and drive meaningful change right here in Dubai, the heart of the Middle East fashion world,” said Simon Lo Gatto.