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 the event's new shop-now format, 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 Arwa Al Banawi, who lives in Dubai, is known for her edgy and eclectic designs, which aim to bring streetwear to the savvy Arab girl.
Beige by by Muna Al Othaiman is known for its sharp eye for colour.
Art and architecture inspire the Bint Thani label, by Emirati designer Khulood Thani, who is the first UAE national to hold a degree from Esmod Paris.
Omani fashion label Bthaina specialises in handworked kaftans, jellabiyas and abayas, as well as creating demure gowns using pleating, romantic layers and delicate colours.
I Am Mai 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 Marina Qureshi, who dressed Florence Welch for her Sandance concert, is known for her flair with fabric.
Saudi's Nasiba Hafiz credits her out-of-the-box aesthetic to the eccentric and experimentative dressing style of her parents.
Bahrain brand Noon by Noor, 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 Rami Al Ali 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, Sara Al Twaim 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 Sarah Beydoun is known for her intricate craftsmanship and vivid patterns.
Zayan Ghandour's Zayan the Label rounds off this 12-designer pop-up with its playful hand-embroidered motifs.
