Dubai’s Fashion Forward wraps up a successful season 4

On the sidelines of her Q&A session with Fashion Forward, the iconic 1980s model Yasmin Le Bon shared her thoughts on what makes or breaks a catwalk show.

Yasmin Le Bon. Antonie Robertson / The National

Fashion Forward Season 4 came to a close last night with a space-themed presentation by couturier Furne One and a celebratory party in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah. Wee look back at the standout shows, speakers and celebrities.

On the sidelines of her Q&A session with FFWD, the iconic 1980s model Yasmin Le Bon shared her thoughts on what makes or breaks a catwalk show.

What have you made of FFWD?

It’s been very exciting to see something that’s “at the beginning” and I don’t mean that to sound in any way patronising. It’s made me re-evaluate what design really means – the articulation of expression, and how we best do it. What makes people switch on and off? It’s the psychology of fashion. It’s quite easy to become complacent in the industry, so it’s good to see the beginning of a movement. But it’s not that this is “the beginning in this part of the world”, of course. After all this is the seat of all knowledge and civilisation. I’m sure they had their Fashion Forward weeks all those years ago.

Who or what caught your eye at FFWD?

Obviously there's a lot of occasion wear here, which makes obvious sense because Dubai doesn't necessarily have a street culture. It was also interesting to see Emperor 1688 and its take on luxury, which was more subtle and underplayed. There was a white layered dress, which I thought was stunning, and I wanted to see more of, for example. House of Ronald had great silhouettes, too – there was a tight, green, ruffled skirt with a crossover top that looked really sharp.

What makes a good show?

It’s simple – it’s all about editing. A show is a story, you’re making a statement and it’s such a different thing to selling your collection. It’s about learning which pieces are strongest and what’s just enough. And I really have seen some beautiful things here, the embellishment and embroidery work has been beyond fabulous.

Seeing the girls on the catwalk here, has it make you in any way nostalgic?

[Laughs] Yes, there’s an element of me that just loves to show off. But I don’t miss the relentless hard work. The first time I did Milan Fashion Week, I don’t think I ate for three days. I’m more nostalgic for the camaraderie with other models, working together and moving from show to show, season to season.

Finally, how is Dubai viewed outside of the region? Are we taken seriously in our ambitions to become a fashion hub?

Probably not, actually, if I’m being honest and I might as well be. But there’s room for improvement and I think there’s a sea change of feeling. Instead of people chasing after new and emerging markets, maybe they are really starting to think about cultural differences and embrace them. I think that’s when a difference really will be made instead of us constantly chasing after different markets.

SHOW SPOTLIGHT: Zareena

A standout show from FFWD this season was staged by Zareena Yousif. To hypnotic Arabic beats, set against an imposing fretwork backdrop, the Dubai-based designer paraded dramatic, ethnic creations on the runway. Here's what she had to say:

The collection: “It’s about the entire Arab world, with kaftans for the Gulf, Moroccan-inspired dresses plus capes and harem pants with an Arabian nights theme. The girls’ hair and make-up is very Aladdin-like and the boys have smokey eyes and chests layered with rough-beaten gold jewellery, as if they were the thieves of Ali Baba.”

The front row: I had my friends, family, clients and media watching.”

The FFWD experience: “This is my second time and it’s a good platform I’d say.

One improvement: “We need buyers. This is the problem we face. I know it takes time to build confidence and for them to see designers consistently delivering good shows, but they need to be here to see your talents on the ramp. None have come to see me yet, I hope they will.”

Favourite shows: "I thought Michael Cinco, Maral and Sabaji did a great job."

• For full coverage of Fashion Forward Season 4 go to our All Dressed Up blog