Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) the region’s most progressive fashion platform are set to debut Spring/Summer ’17 collections on Friday 21^st October at the bespoke location Hai, d3. FFWD will celebrate the start of the industry-focused fashion event during an invite only party on Thursday 20^th October at the W Hotel.

The upcoming event is FFWD’s eighth edition, having launched in April 2013. Over seven successful seasons FFWD has matured into a recognised and credible platform respected amongst designers and industry professionals regionally and internationally, as well as receiving the endorsement of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC) and support of Dubai Design District (d3).

From October 21^st – 23^rd, guests will see the most diverse portfolio of brands to date from 33 couture and ready-to-wear designers whom are making waves in the regional and international fashion landscape. Additionally, 14 of the region’s best jewellery and accessory designers will exhibit in the curated space, The Showcase.

Working together with long-term partner d3, FFWD will host the ‘d3 Fashion Talks’, a series of highly anticipated debate and discussion forums with industry insiders. Headlining this season, iconic French-Arab model, muse, filmmaker and Schiaparelli Ambassador Farida Khalifa will share her inspiring rise through the fashion industry. Celebrated designer Stella Jean will share her short journey of going from a fledging designer to ruling the runways in Milan with her unique blend of ethnic heritage and Italian tailoring. 

Also speaking, Jane Boddy, Director of Colour & Womenswear, WGSN; Alexandre Peraldi, Design Director, Baume et Mercier; as well as several other industry insiders will share their insights. 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.

As a meeting point for industry insiders, FFWD will offer casual spots to mingle as well as host several invite only brand social events. On event’s ‘Style Street’ guests can enjoy entertainment and refreshments, while the ‘Fashion Café’ is a comfortable mingling area.

October 24^th and 25^th are dedicated days for buyers and media to view SS17 collections and meet designers at the Showroom space, hosted on site at d3. The FFWD Showroom is part of EPICxSamsung, a series of empowerment initiatives propelled through industry collaborations that contribute to the growth of the Middle East’s fashion ecosystem.

Bong Guerrero, CEO and co-founder of FFWD said, “We look forward to welcoming our industry peers, returning brands and new designers to the highly anticipated 8^th edition of FFWD. The weekend schedule and following days at the Showroom will present the breadth of talent originating from the region which has evolved considerably yet quickly since FFWD’s inception with the support of our strategic partners d3 and DDFC.”

“We are thrilled to host another line-up of influential keynote speakers as part of the d3 Fashion Talks – a component of FFWD that has become a pillar of the event – as well as opportunities for international buyers to meet designers, and for people in the industry to connect,” he adds.