Beauty & Style | Thursday 22 September, 2016 3:10 am |

Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD), the region’s progressive fashion platform, endorsed by Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC), today announces its full programme for the Spring/Summer ’16 edition, taking place from October 20th – 23rd 2016 at the bespoke location, Hai d3 (Dubai Design District). Now in its eighth season, FFWD is set to showcase 31 regional ready-to-wear and couture designers as well as 14 accessory labels at The Showcase. The event, previously held over three days, is extended this season by one additional day in order to cater for the growing number of designers enlisted to show. Additionally, Season 8 will see new talent collaborations making their FFWD debut; a first for FFWD and a strategic step for the fashion platform. 

Bong Guerrero, CEO and co-founder of FFWD said, “We are delighted to present the eighth edition of FFWD and proud to once again introduce an enhanced experience for our designers and guests. Together with the support of our strategic partners, d3 and DDFC, FFWD has evolved each season to become a highly-anticipated event in the region’s fashion calendar and follows Dubai’s national mandate to become a hub for creativity. Founded upon FFWD’s aim to strengthen the regional ecosystem of emerging fashion talent, the event provides a viable platform for regional and international visibility while we also extend our support to designers and d3 creative partners via our recently launched EPICxSAMSUNG program which aims to cultivate their success throughout the year with initiatives such as FFWD’s Showroom in Paris.”

 

Mohammad Saeed Al-Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Design District, commented, “Fashion Forward is evolving by the year and we continue to be proud of our strategic partnership in this project as it enters its eighth grand season, welcoming designers from all across the Middle East and North Africa. d3 will be working hand in hand with the FFWD team to ensure that these designers are getting the best support in order to reach their full potential internationally. At d3, it is our responsibility to support these incredible talents by listening to what they need from their work environment and the wider industry in order to help them achieve the levels of recognition and commercial success they deserve. By partnering with FFWD, we believe we are on the right path for succeeding in our mission.”

Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design & Fashion Council, adds, “Fashion Forward has turned attention to a new generation of talent from the MENA region and through its seven previous seasons we have discovered many emerging names in fashion. As an important platform for the design community, FFWD is closely aligned with DDFC’s mandate of nurturing regional designers and we are proud to continue our endorsement for the eighth season. With more designers on show than in previous editions, we look forward to being introduced to some truly exceptional work this October and celebrating creativity from all over the Arab world and beyond.”

Talent Collaborations

6Degree is one of India’s first fashion talent and tech companies that provides opportunities for fashion professionals to showcase their talent by unifying individuals related to the fashion domain. 6Degree has exclusively partnered with FFWD to present three selected Indian designers to showcase their signature collections during Season 8. This is 6Degree’s first foray into the Middle East market.

The Showcase

In addition to the designers showing apparel, for Spring/Summer ’16 FFWD once again presents The Showcase – a carefully curated space for a selection of the best regional jewellery and accessory designers. Showing this season are; Alessa Jewelry, Amal Haliq, Bana Sunglasses, Belquis Bags, Inaaya, Madiso, Myriam SOS, Narinee, Natalie Trad, NS by Noof, Rula Galayini, Sahag, Vanina and Vinita Michael. 

Buyers

Building upon the success of previous seasons and furthering its commitment to facilitate regional and international commercial visibility, FFWD partners with Muriel Piaser Consulting to bring four international buyers representing department and concept stores to attend the shows. Each buyer has been handpicked based on their interest to carry Middle Eastern designers. 

Daniela Schulte Bulmke, Account Director at Neiman Marcus for the past 19 years. 

CEO and leading expert of the buying office of District 78, Maria Vinokurova brings 10 years of professional experience as fashion consultant, buyer and retail projects launches. 

Margreeth Olsthoorn buys high-end fashion brands for woman and men chosen with love and integrity for her store in Rotterdam.  

 

Nadine Naji joined Harvey Nichols Riyadh in 2014 and is now their Ready-To-Wear Buyer. 

 

D3 Fashion Talks

Season 8’s d3 Fashion Talks will take on a ‘back to basics’ theme aimed to give designers access to invaluable advice from international and regional industry professionals. Taking into consideration the current challenging retail climate, each talk will present essential elements that emerging design entrepreneurs require to empower and grow their businesses; from Sourcing, to Funding and Trend Forecasting, the talks will offer practical information to propel industry development.

 

In Conversation with Farida Khelfa and Vogue Arabia

Iconic French-Arab Model, Muse, Filmmaker and Ambassador for the House of Schiaparelli will share her inspiring rise through the fashion industry.

WGSN Trend Forecasting

Jane Boddy, Director of Colour and Womenswear for WGSN, the world's leading trend authority, will share Spring/Summer '17's seasonal message as well as preview Autumn/Winter '17 macro trends. 

DDFC Talk: Funding a Fashion Business

Leaders from the world of finance and retail will share their advice on how to develop a business that can attract funding and be commercially viable. 

Finding Design Inspiration: Baume & Mercier Design Director Alexandre Peraldi

Alexandre Peraldi, who heads the design studio for the iconic Swiss watchmaker, will be sharing insights on how to innovate, while retaining a sense of heritage and identity. 

Hot off the Runway: From Footwear to Fashion

Global retail giants will review this season's latest trends straight off the runway

Sourcing: From Sampling to Manufacturing - How to Find the Right Partner?

Riccardo Vannetti of Pitti Immagine and Barbara Trebitsch of Domus Academy will take designers through the process of how to work with manufacturing partners.