The 5 Designers to Catch at Fashion Forward Dubai in October
Follow my blog with Bloglovin Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) returns for its 8th season in October with a line-up of 31 Middle East-based designers, who will be unveiling their Spring/Summer 2017 collections.
Here is my pick of five designers you should catch and why:
The Filipino designer Furne One is known for extravagant runway presentations and forward looking couture creations. He launched a ready-to-wear label last October offering more affordable designs that still retain couture elements with a strong use of embellishment techniques (for example, flowers and butterflies appliqued on lace).
Ezra Santos is another Dubai-based Filipino designer known for dreamy catwalk presentations (one year he had snow falling from the ceiling). His designs have a strong sculptural approach with beautiful embroideries.
The Lebanese designer has an eye for mixing and matching colors and fabrics and creating edgy ready-to-wear pieces that have a couture feel. Last year he won the inaugural Style.com/Arabia – DDFC Fashion Prize. Earlier this year he launched his winning capsule collection on Farfetch and then followed up with his first couture presentation at Alta Roma Fashion Week. Definitely, one to watch.
Another Filipino designer who has conquered the Middle East market, Michael Cinco is a go-to designer for brides seeking an extravagant gown or celebrities looking for a statement piece (J-Lo regularly wears his designs). His creations are full of exquisite details and always richly embellished.
The young UAE designer’s hand-painted dresses for his first Dripping Amends collection caught my eyes as they were walking pieces of art, and his Instagram account indicates a similar direction for his new collection.
Fashion Forward Dubai runs October 20‑23.