As the curtain rises on Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) Autumn/Winter 2025-26, the city once again takes center stage in the global fashion calendar. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s cutting-edge design hub, this season’s showcase is more than just a parade of garments—it’s a statement of intent, an assertion that Dubai is no longer just an emerging player but a fully established powerhouse in the fashion industry.
Homegrown Talent Takes the Lead
Dubai has always been a melting pot of cultures, and its fashion scene reflects that beautifully. Kicking off the week, we see a diverse lineup of designers who embody the city’s unique blend of heritage and innovation. Iraqi designer Zeena Zaki, alongside homegrown brands Manel and Angelo Estera, sets the tone for a fashion-forward week where the lines between tradition and modernity blur seamlessly.
Notably, Toton by Makeover, an Indonesian label known for its intricate detailing and deconstructed tailoring, will add an international flourish to the opening lineup. It’s an inspired choice to begin with regional designers—DFW is, after all, about defining Dubai’s creative voice, rather than merely echoing Western trends.
Global Appeal, Local Identity
With names like Paolo Sebastian making their Dubai debut, and French couture house Weinsanto gracing the runway courtesy of La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, DFW is proving that it can attract the crème de la crème of international design. The presence of Manish Malhotra as the grand finale designer is another nod to the region’s deep love for haute couture and embellishment-rich creations.
One of the most anticipated collaborations is between NIF Global and the London College of Fashion. As sustainability and innovation continue to shape the industry, the presence of academia within fashion weeks is a necessary shift—one that DFW is smart to embrace.
The Business of Fashion
Beyond the spectacle of runway shows, DFW is also making its mark on the business side of fashion. The exclusive buyers’ programme running from February 3-5 is a major draw, bringing together heavyweight retailers from the UK, USA, Italy, and India. For emerging designers, this isn’t just about showing off their collections—it’s about securing international stockists and making the jump from creative vision to commercial success.
Designers featured in the buyers’ programme, such as Lebanon’s Amer, Egypt’s Amina Galal, and the UAE’s Bil Arabi, represent the best of regional craftsmanship. There’s something undeniably thrilling about watching smaller labels receive their long-overdue moment in the spotlight.
Beyond the Runway: Fashion’s Social Circuit
What’s fashion week without a little exclusivity? This season, DFW extends beyond the catwalk to a curated set of citywide experiences. From an intimate Luisa Via Roma dinner to private gatherings with Etoile Boutique and Dima Ayad, the social scene is as much a spectacle as the shows themselves.
Perhaps the most intriguing event on the roster is Fashion Futures Dubai, hosted by Vogue Business. A first for the region, this conference will delve into the evolving landscape of fashion, tech, and sustainability. If Dubai wants to cement itself as a fashion capital, investing in industry discourse is just as critical as delivering jaw-dropping runway moments.
Why Dubai Fashion Week Matters Now More Than Ever
Dubai has flirted with the idea of becoming a global fashion hub for years, but this season, it feels like the city has fully arrived. DFW is no longer just a regional showcase—it’s a legitimate player on the world stage, carving out a niche that blends luxury, innovation, and multiculturalism in a way no other city quite can.
As the industry grapples with questions of sustainability, inclusivity, and digital evolution, Dubai has positioned itself at the forefront of these conversations. And if this week is anything to go by, the future of fashion might just have a new address.
For the full schedule and more information, visit: www.dubaifashionweek.ae/calendar.
