Dubai Fashion Week: What to expect this season

Another stellar list of regional and international names helps kick off the autumn-winter 2025 global season

Michael Cinco will once again bring its couture sensibilities to Dubai Fashion Week, as it closes out the fifth day of the event. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai Fashion Week is back with daily fashion shows and presentations, starting from Saturday until Thursday at Dubai Design District.

The six-day event is seeking to position itself as the first stop on the womenswear fashion calendar. It will be the first to unveil autumn-winter 2025 collections, beating the so-called “Big Four” fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris.

So, aside from schedule-busting timetabling, what can be expected?

While Dubai Fashion Week encourages fashion influencers and students to attend, it remains industry-only, with attendees required to register in advance. However, registration for the autumn-winter 2025 season is now closed.

Day 1

Indonesian fashion brand Toton will be at Dubai Fashion Week. Toton / Instagram

The prestigious first slot on the opening day will be the Iraqi haute couture designer Zeena Zaki, who has been crafting sultry evening wear since 2003. The next show will be by Manel, another evening wear name from the UAE.

The Indonesian brand Toton, which mixes traditional Indonesian clothing and techniques with simple, fresh separates for a modern update, follows next. Day one will close with a parade of luxe bridalwear by UAE name Angelo Estera.

Day 2

Paolo Sebastian will show on day two.

Australian designer Paolo Sebastian will open the second day with his signature romantic take on evening wear, which includes layers of petticoats and lavish beadwork conjuring an Alice in Wonderland-type beauty. Meanwhile, French label Weisanto returns once again, with its theatrical take on tailoring.

Day 3

Tara Babylon is known for her colourful knitted looks. Tara Babylon / Instagram

Launched in the UAE by Ingie Chalhoub in 2005, Etoile La Boutique will open with a show filled with the big-name designers it is famous for. It will then be followed by a presentation from BLSSD, the regional street luxe name that supports cancer survivors.

Next up will be a show by the British-Iraqi designer Tara Babylon, featuring her riotously colourful knitted looks that veer to the fantastical. To close out the day will be the skilful tailoring of regional name Dima Ayed.

Day 4

Mrs Keepa/Instagram

Lebanese brand Mrs Keepa, beloved for cuts that shift around and away from the body, will open day four. It will be followed by Viva Vox – another returning name – that mixes rigorous tailoring with romance, such as an A-line mini dress finished with a ruffed collar that trails to the floor.

Those who keep track of the Dubai fashion scene will be au fait with the cut-out wizardry of Lama Jouni, while powerhouse Michael Cinco will close out the day with one of his showstopping couture events.

Day 5

Les Benjamins will close out Day 5 of Dubai Fashion Week, autumn/winter 2025. Les Benjamins/Instagram

Following a show by That Concept Store, Russian label Saijamin will present its razor-sharp tailoring, followed by Molato from Morocco, known for its high-end kaftans. Turkish brand Les Benjamins, meanwhile, with its unique take on elevated streetwear will be the last show of the day.

Day 6

Manish Malhotra brought his wares to the 2023 IIFA Rocks stage in Abu Dhabi. Photo: IIFA

The grand finale will be a show by Indian designer Manish Malhotra, who has enjoyed a 30-year career across modelling, costume design, styling, filmmaking and couture. Known for his ability to deftly fold Western elements into traditional Indian pieces, he is famous for his swirling cuts, dazzling palette of colours and plenty of jaw-dropping handwork. A must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in what makes modern Indian fashion so fabulous, this promises to be a spectacular show.