Esmod Dubai, the French Fashion Institute, has presented the fashion collections of its up-and-coming local and international design talents, with the 2015 graduates being the ones to watch for as the Middle East new emerging fashion designers.

Stunning creations were showcased worldwide live on internet in collaboration with ‘Not Just A Label’ and locally to a grand audience of over 1,000 guests, Dubai authorities, KHDA, DIAC, media, fashion industry elite, bloggers, friends and family at Wafi Mall, said a statement.

Esmod Dubai Annual Graduate Fashion Show was a major night on the Dubai fashion scene, it said.

Katie Trotter, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Fashion and Beauty director, a member of this year’s jury, said: “Looking inward and supporting young talent is imperative to the industry’s growth.”

The students awarded on the night were Shirley D’Mello and Fatima Arooj Salamat in the Ready-to-Wear category; Mariko Yokoyama and Rabya Khan in the Luxury Ready-to-Wear category; Yalda Deghani in the Creator category; Walaa Alaqra for New Couture; Rana Rabet for Haute Couture; Anastasia Moiseenko for Textile; Tanzila Antulay has been awarded a Merit Award; Zeina Halal for the Academic Excellence Award, remitted by Michael Trivett from Dubai International Academic City & Dubai Knowledge Village Head of Business Development; and the Jury Award went to Fatima Arooj Salamat.

Following the public feedback of the graduates’ collections and their wish to purchase them, exclusive show pieces are foreseen to be available at the Esmod Fashion Incubator Store at Sunset Mall with the graduates’ agreement.

The news highlight of the event was the announcement by Islamic Fashion Design Council chairwoman Alia Khan for their partnership with Esmod Dubai for the launch their very own Fashion Week dedicated to modest wear and iFash.

Pre-production is under way and dates for the first few cities will be announced in a few weeks, said the statement.

Tamara Hostal, the founder and chief executive officer of Esmod Dubai, said: “Esmod Dubai fashion graduates have become widely recognised by the industry for their creative talents and technical skills which is what we stand for.

“We are fully in line with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai decree 23 to foster the growth, innovation and sustainability of the Emirate’s design and fashion industries. Nurturing & promoting local fashion design talents through our events especially broadcasted live globally supports Dubai’s growing international reputation as a regional and international fashion centre” - TradeArabia News Service