After a year-long hiatus, the biannual Fashion Forward Dubai announced it will return to Dubai Design District in October, with a call to designers to register by or before June 27. In the meantime, the platform will present a special collection of Ramadan and spring / summer apparel and accessories by 12 regional designers. In keeping with <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/fashion-forward-dubai-shop-what-you-see-on-the-runway-1.860217">the event's new shop-now format</a>, the labels will make their wares available for sale in the retail pop-up, which takes place in Jeddah department store Rubaiyat from May 17 to June 3. Here are some of the labels to look out for. Saudi designer <strong>Arwa Al Banawi</strong>, who lives in Dubai, is known for her edgy and eclectic designs, which aim to bring streetwear to the savvy Arab girl. <strong>Beige </strong>by by Muna Al Othaiman is known for its sharp eye for colour. Art and architecture inspire the <strong>Bint Thani </strong>label, by Emirati designer Khulood Thani, who is the first UAE national to hold a degree from Esmod Paris. Omani fashion label <strong>Bthaina </strong>specialises in handworked kaftans, jellabiyas and abayas, as well as creating demure gowns using pleating, romantic layers and delicate colours. <strong>I Am Mai</strong> was created by Mai Albudoor, an Emirati "designer of everything" with a background in art, architecture, interior, and graphic design. Dubai-born Asian-British designer <strong>Marina Qureshi</strong>, who dressed Florence Welch for her Sandance concert, is known for her flair with fabric. Saudi's <strong>Nasiba Hafiz</strong> credits her out-of-the-box aesthetic to the eccentric and experimentative dressing style of her parents. Bahrain brand <strong>Noon by Noor,</strong> by designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, has found favour with Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively and Katy Perry. Syrian couturier and embroidery expert <strong>Rami Al Ali</strong> is another favourite in international circles and, endearingly, he recently designed a collection for high-street accessories label Charles & Keith. Born to a family of art lovers, <strong>Sara Al Twaim</strong> will present her latest collection Salam at the Fashion Forward pop-up in Saudi Arabia, which she says reflect her ideas of peace. Handbag designer <strong>Sarah Beydoun</strong> is known for her intricate craftsmanship and vivid patterns. Zayan Ghandour's <strong>Zayan the Label </strong>rounds off this 12-designer pop-up with its playful hand-embroidered motifs.
