Italian fashion makes grand return at Dubai Fashion Week in style

Italian fashion returns to Dubai Fashion Week (DFW, Sept.1-6) this autumn with La Moda Italiana Vol. 2. The return is in the form of ‘The Italian Day in Dubai’ on September 3, day three of DFW Spring/Summer 2026.

Presented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with DFW, the special day dedicated to Italian fashion talent will see six of Italy’s most dynamic fashion houses unveil their Spring/Summer 2026 collections in a line-up of runway shows, in celebration of ‘Made in Italy’.

For this edition of DFW, ITA is joined by Italian associations CNA (Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises) and Confartigianato (General Confederation of Artisans and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises) as partners, who also lent their support in the selection of the six brands.

‘The Italian Day in Dubai’ is a key highlight of the DFW Spring/Summer 2026 programme, which runs at Dubai Design District (d3), the global creative ecosystem by TECOM Group PJSC. The Italian Day shows will also mark the Middle East debut for several participating Italian designers, giving regional buyers, stylists, press, and tastemakers a first-hand look at the artistic identity, timeless tailoring, and forward-thinking edge that defines contemporary Italian fashion. A diverse cross-section of Italy’s modern fashion visionaries will be showcased on the occasion.

A dress on display.

September 3 evening will open with a runway show by VP by Valentina Poltronieri, a fast-rising label defined by playful structure, vivid colour palettes and a youthful spirit, that captures the essence of Italy’s next-gen creative wave. Le Twins, known for their fearless approach to feminine glamour, will then follow, bringing their blend of high-energy styling and elegance to the DFW runway. Cose Di Maglia will be the third show of the evening. They elevate knitwear heritage into a new era, with sleek, sculpted silhouettes and a craftsmanship that marries tradition with luxury.

Gil Santucci, one of the boldest voices in Italy’s fashion scene, will then deliver a statement of individuality through architectural shapes and avant-garde layering. It will be followed by Avant Toi, representing Italian experimental luxury. They will bring a collection that merges artistic dyeing techniques with high-tech fabric innovation, redefining knitwear through texture and tone. Be Nina, a label synonymous with poetic femininity and refined power dressing, will then close the evening with a showcase rooted in emotional storytelling and the precision of Italian tailoring.

Lorenzo Fanara, Italian Ambassador to the UAE, said: “I am proud that the UAE has been selected by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a high-priority country to showcase and promote Made in Italy fashion and design through the ‘Days of Italian Fashion in the World’. The UAE has long been an important market for Italian fashion and ... initiatives like this not only highlight our shared passion for excellence, but also unlocks new opportunities for partnerships and trade.”

Fashion at La Moda Italiana.

Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE, said that “in a key global market like the United Arab Emirates, Italian fashion stands as a true testament to timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. The remarkable +18.8 per cent surge in Italian fashion exports to the UAE during the first five months of 2025, reaching nearly 620 million euros and the over performing 17 per cent growth in the overall Italian exports to the country, aren’t just numbers — they are a clear reflection of a deep appreciation for the quality and artistry that defines ‘Made in Italy’. This growth cements Italy’s position as the second-largest fashion exporter to the region, holding a significant 16 per cent market share.”

“Dubai Design District partnerships with the Italian creative scene continue to grow and flourish through the SS26 edition of Dubai Fashion Week, the second edition to feature ITA’s participation,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3). The Italian Day in Dubai builds on our ongoing collaborations – including recent agreements with leading Milan Design Week institutions – that are advancing cultural and creative exchange between Dubai and Italy.”

Jacob Abrian, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Fashion Council, said: “With the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Collaboration leading the way, La Moda Italiana Vol. 2 becomes more than a fashion showcase — it represents a celebration of creativity and the strong ties between Italy and Dubai.” La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition first debuted at DFW in September 2024, drawing significant attention from regional buyers, press, and tastemakers. Organised by the ITA in collaboration with DFW, the three-day exhibition welcomed 25 leading Italian brands across clothing, footwear, leather goods, and eyewear.

The event marked a milestone in Italian–UAE fashion relations, underscoring DFW as a gateway to strategic partnerships and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global fashion capital.The ITA is a governmental organisation that with the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is committed to supporting the business development of Italian companies abroad and promoting foreign investment in Italy.

With a modern organisation and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides comprehensive support, including information, assistance, consulting, promotion, and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. DFW’s SS26 footprint will extend citywide, with invite-only presentations, private dinners and collection launches hosted by global brands and industry stakeholders. d3 opened its doors to the world in 2015 and is home today to more than 1,100 creative businesses and 20,000 creative professionals.