Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates is celebrating the seasonal trends of autumn and winter fashion until October 31. In an event that’s free for the public to attend, the retail space is putting on a series of catwalk presentations by many of the leading labels and department stores it houses.
Hussain Moosa, the associate director of Mall of the Emirates, explains more about the fourth edition of the event and reveals the attendance of two familiar industry faces.
Tell us about the celebrity who’ll be closing the final catwalk show at the World of Fashion (WoF) this month?
World of Fashion is an important event for us and one of the largest we host annually. We always try to make it bigger and better. This year, we have a very special collaboration with one of the Arab world’s legendary superstars – the respected singer and fashion icon, Najwa Karam. For years she has captivated audiences with her talent and style, which is why we know she’ll add value to the WoF 2014.
Also participating is Bassam Fattouh, one of the best international celebrity make-up artists. He’ll be giving demonstrations, makeovers and beauty tips for free on October 21. So there are a lot of things happening.
Who does the event target?
We’d love for people to come down and see the latest fashion trends that are available to buy in the mall, and there will be about 20 fashion shows for children, men’s and women's wear. Some of the most prestigious brands we have will be showing. Many different stores, including Harvey Nichols, will participate alongside well-known international designers.
You mention that the event is getting bigger and better each year. Would that seem to be in tandem with Dubai’s Fashion 2020 strategy?
Being part of this event adds value to Dubai. We have a common objective when it comes to fashion and making Dubai a fashion capital. A way that we add a lot of value is through our introduction of new names – global designer labels – to the mall and the region for the first time. So definitely, it goes along with the government initiatives of Fashion 2020, trying to make Dubai a fashion hub.
How is the Mall of the Emirates expansion plan coming along? What else is in the pipeline?
Historically, we’ve had several major redevelopments happen in our shopping malls and expansion is part of Majid Al Futtaim’s DNA. So it’s not going to be the first or the last. Previously in Mall of the Emirates, we’ve had the Fashion Dome, then the Fashion District and currently we’re working with another international alliance of brands. So, we’re always trying to exceed expectations and provide a unique shopping experience for our guests.
• World of Fashion runs at Mall of the Emirates until October 31. To reserve seats, call 050 250 1348 or email rsvp.wof@daboandco.com
rduane@thenational.ae
