The upcoming Fall/Winter 2011 season of Dubai Fashion Week is proving to be more than just about runway shows and front row seats this time with the unveiling of initiatives tied with the week-long event. We’ve heard about the coffee table book, the details of which have yet to be disclosed, and now DFW 2011 has just announced its “Model of the Week” and “Photographer of the Week” competitions.

Competing for a highly sought after spot in the bi-annual Dubai Fashion Week® (DFW) Emerging Talent show, organizers, Capital Marketing, have revealed this seasons winners; Anna Gurgacz, Polish, (E.G.O. gurgaczio), Azadeh Zandi, Syrian, (Voguish), Kay Li, Chinese, (Fight to Survive), Sara Al Refai, Syrian (Gypsy Girl), Sarah Mrad, Lebanese, (Sarah Mrad), and Sophie Wanney, German (Fiokafini).

Winners were selected from a pool of over 50 applicants, with the top …

Dubai Fashion Week® (DFW), the Middle East’s leading fashion trade event, is once again set to turn the spot light on the region’s young and emerging designers. Now in its 9th season, the bi-annual Emerging Talent showcase is back and bigger than ever with over 50 final applicants from across Middle East!

With excitement building amongst participants, the final selection will take place on 23rd February 2011. The winning …

“I’m the queen!” were the words that Furne One  first uttered in order to describe his collection during the post-show press conference that we attended at the recently concluded Dubai Fashion Week. These three words summed up the title of his well-loved, highly applauded fashion show on the last night of DFW S/S 2011.

Furne, who appeared more confident and calm in front of media, continued explaining his inspiration …

Saving the best for the last, Manish Malhotra of Studio 8 presented his glamorous Spring/Summer line at the finale of Dubai Fashion Week. Billowy smoke led the way for the models as they walked the sleek black runway to a background of geometric mirrors.

A skirt and bustier combination in shimmering black won audience appreciation with its wine colored trimming and flouncy material.

Bands of embroidered gold ran down …

The eagerly anticipated show by Furne One opened to a packed house at Dubai Fashion Week.  “Amato”, which means beloved, consisted of creations in varying intensities of gold and ivory, heavily embellished with Swarovski crystals.

The Elizabethan era inspired clothes were showcased in a performance, choreographed by the designer himself. The models wore a dramatic look, showcasing elaborately designed head accessories inspired by horses and royalty and made of …

Opening with visuals by VJ Fusion, the Amber Feroz Spring/Summer collection began with modern abayas carrying strategically placed revealing cuts and sleek designs.  Models with shaylas covering their heads walked the ramp in light abayas of chiffon and silk with minimal embroidery, focusing instead on the cuts and silhouettes.

Evening wear followed in a host of colors ranging from lilac, yellow, ochre, green, aqua and peach. Pantsuits, short dresses, …

Sara Al Madani & Apple Wang of Rogue Couture showcased their Spring/Summer collection on Day 5 of DFW. The label’s fusion of Arabian and Chinese designs was evident in their abayas made of luxurious fabrics draped in ingenious methods.

Kaftans showcased included a monotone outfit with geometric prints with red sections of cloth running through the sides of the outfit along with a tapering gold kaftan held under the …

The “Out of Mind” collection from CELLDSGN is a fashionable expression about the darker side of emotion. The Spring/Summer line explored the complexity of the human mind by incorporating depth and layers into their clothes.

Designers Shani Himanshu and Smita Singh Rathore fused practicality with aesthetics through their outfits of gossamer and cotton silk with tasseled necklines as well as gathers of folded cloth adorning the shoulders of the …

Soft oriental music set the stage for “From the Trunk of the Nizam”, a leisurely show by Indian designer Arnab Sengupta. With dupatta covered heads, simple Indian slippers and minimal jewellery, the collection sought to evoke the presence of the gloriously fashionable Nizams of Hyderbad.

In a bid to recreate the gorgeous attire of the royal Hyderbadi courts, Arnab Sengupta made ample use of hand embroidered flower patterns, mirror …