The fashion industry’s top editors, celebrated designers, and high-end buyers are supporting the inaugural Fashion Forward (FFWD) in Dubai, which will showcase ready-to-wear, couture, menswear and bridal designers from the region.

Panels, talks and workshops as well as 18 runway presentations will mark the event running at the Madinat Jumeirah from April 26 to 29.

Senior industry leaders from Milan’s Domus Academy, London College of Fashion, New York-based Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) will be joined by leading designers, journalists and buyers in discussions on breaking through into the fashion sector, managing a fashion label, and fashion brand development.

All sessions are available to the public by invitation, and interested participants can register at fashionforward.ae, a statement said.

“Fashion Forward’s developmental programme brings together some of the most respected fashion institutions globally to provide personal perspective and insight on how the Middle East’s fashion sector can develop and operate on a wider international level,” said Bong Guerrero, CEO and creative director of FFWD.

“Education, debate and candid discussion are critical to the growth of the fashion business across the Middle East, and Fashion Forward’s diverse range of programming meets a real need for this industry.”

Making his first-ever visit to the Middle East is CFDA’s CEO, Steven Kolb, who oversees all operations and activities for the American fashion industry's preeminent designer trade association, and its affiliated charity. CFDA membership consists of more than 400 of America's leading womenswear, menswear, jewellery and accessory designers.

As part of FFWD, Kolb will provide commentary on how to nurture a fashion trade body for the Middle East.

“Fashion is a global business, and to succeed designers need to understand international markets,” said Kolb. “American designers are interested in doing business in the Middle East, and Middle Eastern designers are interested in America.  For the CFDA to be a part of Fashion Forward allows us to help bridge these opportunities.”

Also participating in FFWD is the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Barbara La Monica, an FIT mentor & founding partner of La Monica-Baas Group, and Bruce Bass, adjunct professor at FIT’s School of Graduate Studies, Global Fashion Management, will hold a talk on “The International Retail Environment”, to discuss what buyers look for in different markets.

Other key speakers at FFWD are Domus Academy’s dean, Gianluigi Ricuperati, a writer and essayist, who will present on ‘Fashion is another way of breaking the Wall’.

Barbara Trebitsch, Head of Domus Academy Fashion School, will also give a lecture entitled ‘Fashion and material consciousness, Domus Academy Fashion School’, which will include a selection of the most relevant student or alumni projects and collections.

Toby Meadows, a lecturer at London College of Fashion, and author of bestseller 'How to Set up & Run a Fashion Label’, will address the issue of ‘How to develop a career in fashion’.

Celebrated Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz will participate in a panel discussion on creating a unique identity for Middle Eastern designers, and how to set themselves apart from other major fashion weeks.

Kayrouz will also lead a presentation on his non-profit organisation, STARCH, which encourages and nurtures emerging fashion talent in Lebanon. He will talk about its formation, the challenges he has faced, and how the foundation has progressed over the years. – TradeArabia News Service