- Dubai Fashion Week kicked off with collections from designers like Manel Aboudaoud, Toton, and Angelo Estera.
- Zaki’s collection featured elegant, figure-hugging gowns with metallic and nude hues, while Toton incorporated Indonesian batik craftsmanship.
- Aboudaoud’s “Paris Day to Night” collection blended Parisian elegance with Arab roots, and Estera’s line drew inspiration from the ancient Silk Road.
Dubai Fashion Week opened with an eclectic showcase of Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collections from international designers. Manel Aboudaoud presented a collection inspired by her Parisian upbringing and Arab heritage, blending luxurious fabrics and chic tailoring to create versatile pieces perfect for day-to-night transitions.
Iraqi designer Zaki’s collection featured understated elegance with subdued tones and sophisticated silhouettes. Known for dressing high-profile celebrities, Zaki impressed the audience with a variety of metallic evening wear and figure-hugging gowns.
A Glimpse of the Diverse Collections at Dubai Fashion Week’s Opening Show
Dubai Fashion Week’s opening night presented a variety of creative designs, with each collection telling a unique story. Manel Aboudaoud’s collection, “Paris Day to Night,” was a celebration of her Parisian roots and Arab identity. The designer used textures like velvet, lace, and satin to create elegant pieces suitable for both day and evening wear, capturing the essence of Parisian winters through earthy tones and opulent hues.
Indonesian brand Toton offered a powerful tribute to the country’s batik heritage, with a modern and sustainable twist. By collaborating with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Toton brought traditional artistry into the modern fashion world, using upcycled fabrics and innovative materials like paper clay to craft their stunning collection.
Zaki’s collection, marked by subdued hues and flowing silhouettes, focused on creating timeless elegance. Known for dressing celebrities like Kris Jenner and Tyra Banks, Zaki showcased her ability to merge figure-hugging designs with metallic evening wear, presenting a sophisticated yet wearable line.
Angelo Estera’s collection captured the spirit of the ancient Silk Road with a fusion of Russian and Eastern influences. His designs featured a rich palette of red, black, and gold, evoking cultural prosperity, luck, and mystery, while referencing the trade routes that connected East and West for centuries.
The opening night of Dubai Fashion Week demonstrated the power of blending cultural heritage with modern design. Each collection highlighted the versatility and creativity of designers, making for an unforgettable start to the event.
“Fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about cultural expression and innovation that can transcend borders and tell a story.”
