Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD), the progressive regional fashion platform, said its full programme for the Fall/Winter ’16 event, which take place from March 31 to April 3 at a new, custom made venue at Dubai Design District (d3).  

 

Now in its seventh season, FFWD recently earned the endorsement of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC) and together with this significant boost, and its new home at d3, looks ahead to its edition this year with the overarching focus on working with regional and international buyers to meet the growing needs of the diverse exhibiting design talent.

 

Nez Gebreel, chief executive officer, Dubai Design and Fashion Council, said: "We are pleased to extend our support to Fashion Forward, a platform that continues to provide a creative outlet for local and regional designers and, over the years, has supported many up-and-coming brands. 

 

"Through offering opportunities for designers to share knowledge and network with industry peers, Fashion Forward has become an integral part of Dubai’s fashion calendar. We are confident that the seventh season of Fashion Forward will be a success and we are especially looking forward to seeing what our Style.com/Arabia - DDFC Fashion Prize winner Hussein Bazaza will be showcasing this season.”

 

Meanwhile, FFWD has partnered with Muriel Piaser Consulting to bring buyers from Fenwick (UK), Galeries Lafayette (France), Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong), Neiman Marcus (US), and Printemps (France) to attend all shows and meet with each designer.

 

FFWD is a twice-annual event which comprises of several key event elements: catwalk shows and presentations by a selection of the region’s best couture and ready to wear designers; ‘The Showcase’ – a curated jewellery and accessories space for regional designers; the ‘d3 Fashion Talks’, to generate debate and discussion on key issues facing the regional industry; and a dedicated showroom day for buyers and editors to have one on one appointments with the designers. 

 

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, chief operations officer, Dubai Design District (d3), said: “Fashion Forward has grown to become a key event in Dubai’s design calendar. We are delighted to support their latest season as their ambition mirrors our mission of transforming global perceptions of what our city has to offer the wider industry.

 

“In creating a home for the region’s fashion and design community, we are proud to be contributing to Dubai’s vision of enhancing our creative industries, helping to showcase the best of Middle Eastern design by connecting the creative community with commercial opportunities.

 

“Fashion Forward provides regional designers with an excellent opportunity to access the global knowledge and expertise required to support the development of our own creative community. We look forward to supporting this event and enabling the industry to flourish." - TradeArabia News Service