Although the runway shows are strictly industry-only and off limits to the public, there is still plenty to see and do at the three-day Fashion Forward event, which starts tomorrow at Dubai Design District (d3).
The Showcase – a hall, open to all, that is dedicated to emerging accessories labels – is a great place to snap up pieces from rising stars. Here are our top picks to look for.
• For more, visit www.fashionforward.ae
• Exocet: This fascinating young label combines a love of nature and technology. The result is a range of understated leather bags with 3D-printed insect and animal motifs.
• LaLaQueen: Best known for its handbags made from ethically sourced, vegetable-tanned leather. Look out for the retro-chic framed bags.
• Sarah's Bag: This Lebanese label produces charming, quirky handbags. Many pieces have an engraved metal plate inside with sayings such as: "I can resist everything except temptation". Simply adorable.
• Rosa Maria Jewellery: Pieces that combine organic shapes in gold and silver, with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Founded in 1998, the brand offers cocktail rings and chandelier earrings.
• 55Fifty7: This jewellery brand, launched last year by Maryam Hassani, specialises in intricate, high-end diamond pieces. With wing motifs, the designs are feminine and whimsical.
• Aura Headpieces: Carolina Chammas, a former senior editor at Elle Arab World, yearned for the perfect headband. Frustrated at not being able to find what she wanted, she started designing her own pieces four years ago.
• Belquis: A newly launched bag label that combines the finest Italian leathers with limited editions of colours and styles to create high-end bags for the discerning woman.
• Madiso: Costume jewellery constructed with large-scale stones strung on cross-grain ribbons. Stylish and dressy, they are equally at home draped over a gown or a T-shirt.
• Alia bin Omair: Strong, sculptural gold rings, necklaces, earrings and ear cuffs. A focus on surface textures creates an interesting balance to the luxury of the material.
• Rula Galayini: Evening bags with distinctive metallic fretwork. Backed with bright colours or left open as filigree, her pieces are highly collectable.
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Major honours
ARSENAL
BARCELONA
- La Liga - 2013
- Copa del Rey - 2012
- Fifa Club World Cup - 2011
CHELSEA
- Premier League - 2015, 2017
- FA Cup - 2018
- League Cup - 2015
SPAIN
- World Cup - 2010
- European Championship - 2008, 2012
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
Company%20Profile
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Could%20We%20Be%20More
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PETER%20PAN%20%26%20WENDY
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EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now