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.
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• 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.
