Lili Blanc presents a design.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The region’s definitive fashion fixture, Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) – co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and Arab Fashion Council – opened (Oct. 9 – 15) in d3 with the season’s Guest of Honour, Carolina Herrera, taking the spotlight and unveiling its SS24 (Spring/Summer24) presentation with exclusive designs crafted to commemorate the occasion.

Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, Wes Gordon, was present in Dubai to present the renowned luxury house’s much-anticipated collection. Runway shows then got underway on October 10 with a sustainability-focused showcase by Pipatchara, known best for handmade, macrame techniques, and d3-based luxury ready-to-wear label Lili Blanc.

DFW Members Weinsanto, Lama Jouni, Dima Ayad and Mrs Keepa were also among the talents to showcase their collections. The event presented Spring/Summer 24 collections by a diverse roster of 25 designers from over 12 countries, including regional heavyweights The Giving Movement, Dima Ayad, Lama Jouni, Mrs Keepa, Emergency Room and Michael Cinco and new names to DFW like Viva Vox, Anaya, Yaspis, Valentin Yudashkin and Rizman Ruzaini.

Other shows included FAD Talents by FAD Dubai; Poca & Poca; Selfmade; Zeena Zaki; Anomalous; Domenico Orefice supported by Polimoda; Slimi Studio; Erik Bandana; Ihab Jiryis and Designers & Us. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President, Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group, said: “All eyes are on Dubai and Dubai Fashion Week. Our roster of participating designers represents the future of fashion – diverse, innovative and sustainable – and this edition will set a high benchmark not only for our region but also for the global fashion industry.

 A design from Dima Ayad.

Today’s programme defines the tone for what will undoubtedly be an inspired edition of the official fashion showcase and reflects the immense promise and potential of Dubai as a global hub for fashion, creativity and business.” Jacob Abrian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer – Arab Fashion Council, said that “Dubai Fashion Week has thrived organically and sustainably, casting a radiant spotlight on the fashion scene in our region. We take pride in the fact that this platform attracts discerning individuals whose influence in the fashion industry is both genuine and unswayed.

Our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering authentic connections has not only solidified Dubai’s global reputation but has also ensured that the right voices are drawn to our vibrant city, echoing the heartbeat of the fashion world.” One of the homegrown designer brands that has heeded the call of sustainability, localisation and environmental justice is Flashmob Nation. A pioneer of “quick” fashion in Dubai, it was founded by Dubai-based actor and model Shreyas Mehta.

Meaningfully contributing to the emirate’s flourishing textile culture, Flashmob Nation was recently certified by Climate Plus, confirming five verified emission reductions (VERs) equivalent to five tonnes of CO2 stopped from being released into the atmosphere. “The certification is a testament to the purpose-driven brand’s sustainable approach, including the use of eco-friendly dyes, prints, labels, and chemical-free processes,” says Mehta, known for his breakthrough role in Bravo TV’s popular reality show ‘Love Without Borders’.

 Flashmob Nation fashion presentation.

Flashmob is pioneering a ‘90-minute delivery’ window in Dubai. A first-of-its-kind initiative, Mehta, who is also a Dubai-based model and actor, says that it will neutralise “fashion anxiety”. “Fashion anxiety is real,” he says. “It can creep in just as you decide on a meet-and-greet lunch with co-workers or a late-night party with friends. Our 90-minute assured delivery and a commitment to true-to-expectation products bring much-needed relief in such circumstances.

Quick commerce is making inroads into every aspect of our lives and I’m glad to pave the way for it in Dubai’s fashion industry.” Flashmob’s sustainable approach to loungewear and partywear, Mehta says, corresponds to the growing “conscious consumerism” among the young generation in Dubai. “The present-day customer gravitates toward brands demonstrating their commitment to social and environmental justice and delivering superior and consistent experiences across offline and online channels. Our expanding ‘phygital’ model draws upon those customer expectations.”

Flashmob Nation apparel characterises “localisms” through stylistic elements that are unique to the Emirates. The brand is presented through an interesting medley of premium material sourced from Istanbul, collaborations between designers of distinctive ethnicities and the founder’s cultural experience in Dubai. Though predominantly a digital-first ecommerce brand, it has gradually expanded its offline presence in Dubai, featuring in Playa Boutique, Palm Jumeirah, and Designer’s Hub in Agenda, Media City. “The whole concept and design is inspired by Dubai,” says Mehta.

“So it’s a Dubai-inspired range by a homegrown brand.” Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, is a global creative ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art. Strategically located in the heart of Dubai, d3 is one of the city’s lifestyle and business districts. It reinforces Dubai’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design, and offers a variety of multi-brand boutiques, fashion brands, and art and design studios.

The world’s leading luxury brands, design companies and creatives, including architects, interior designers, photography studios, product and fashion designers, call d3 home. Some of the region’s most popular events take place in d3 and attract international artists and audiences to cultural and fashion exhibitions and gatherings such as Dubai Design Week, Dubai Fashion Week and Sole DXB.

The Dubai headquartered Arab Fashion Council is the world’s largest non-profit fashion council and an INGO (International Non-Governmental Organisation) for the Arab world, representing the 22 members of the Arab League with the vision to build a creative economy by promoting regional designers globally.