DUBAI // Fashion events in Dubai are part of the emirate’s plans to diversify and make Dubai a regional fashion hub.
Fashion Forward, a bi-annual event that brings designers from across the region for catwalk shows and workshops is expected to be its biggest so far this year with designers from countries from Morocco to Saudi Arabia.
Dubai hosts several regional fashion events such as Harper’s Bazaar World of Fashion and Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience so is increasingly attracting those passionate about fashion to the emirate.
Sally Edwards, director of Dubai Calendar, said of the event, which is in its third season: “Alongside its world-class culinary, sporting, music and community offering, fashion events such as Fashion Forward complement Dubai’s dynamic events calendar and encourage guests the world over to visit the emirate each year.
“Already a worldwide go-to events destination, Dubai is without doubt a fashion hub of the future since it plays host to the globe’s largest brands and the world’s biggest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall. Events such as Fashion Forward, which provide regional designers with a platform to showcase their work at the international level, constitute a key stepping stone in achieving fashion-capital status for the emirate as they help to export UAE designs out of the city and on to the global catwalk.
“It is thanks to such events that we soon hope to see Dubai’s name next to style capitals such as New York and London, which will in turn encourage a further influx of fashion-hungry visitors to arrive in Dubai.”
Vanessa Northway, head of the school of textiles and design at Heriot Watt University’s Dubai campus, agrees and says the event is a key time in the fashion calendar for Dubai and its future talent.
“Fashion Forward has become the major player in Dubai for promoting fashion within the Gulf and beyond. It’s a very central point for fashion and the event is an absolute must to attend. We meet and network with designers, merchandisers and marketing people from all over the Gulf and beyond.”
With a growing number of students in the emirate from the likes of Esmod school of fashion and Dubai Women’s College, she said such international events are key to developing local talent who get hands-on industry experience either interning or showcasing their designs.
Ms Northway, however, says that for the city to really be a regional fashion hub, “Dubai still has a way to go in creating a viable design industry to match the retail sector but it is definitely moving in the right direction”.
Bong Guerrero, founder and chief executive of Fashion Forward, said things are changing.
“In just under a year, FFWD has grown into a strong and credible fashion platform for the region and most importantly for our regional designers,” he said.
Having partnered Dubai Design District, he said the event is now part of “the Government and Sheikh Mohammed’s wider vision for Fashion 2020, growing and establishing Dubai and the region as a fashion and design hub for the future”.
Over the first two seasons more than 27,000 guests attended the event. Participants this year include the likes of Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week.
“While our focus is heavily on our region and improving and growing our industry in the Middle East, through the support and involvement of these international guests we can learn and grow from the experience of these seasoned professionals,” Mr Guerrero said.
Dubai-based designers see it as an event not to miss, both for getting their own exposure and sourcing inspiration from other regional designers.
The founders of locally founded Aavva, which was launched in 2012, were at the event in Madinat Jumeirah yesterday.
“Fashion Forward really is a must-attend event for any designer here in Dubai and in the region,” said co-founder Ahmad Ammar, who is an engineering consultant in addition to his role as designer for Aavva. Though not participating this season, they say a presence is vital for anyone in the industry.
“We have been so busy this season with several projects and have been dressing several prominent figures here from TV presenters to influential locals, which is something we prioritise, but we will certainly be a part of the next show.”
His partner, co-founder Vincenzo Visciglia, an architect, said: “It is a huge platform for people around the region. Dubai is really becoming a fashion hub for this region. People have always thought of it as a place to come and shop but now there is a lot of emerging talent coming through who can really get the exposure they deserve through this event.”
mswan@thenational.ae
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
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Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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The biog
Favourite Quote: “Real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction emerge from its ashes,” by The late king Hussain of Jordan.
Favourite Hobby: Writing and cooking
Favourite Book: The Prophet by Gibran Khalil Gibran
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
info-box
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Happy Tenant
Started: January 2019
Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana
Based: Dubai
Sector: Technology, real-estate
Initial investment: Dh2.5 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 4,000
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
If%20you%20go
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'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.