The collection featured Cavalli’s signature animal motifs—zebra stripes, leopard spots, and floral patterns—on trench coats, dresses, and silk shirts. Western influences like cowboy boots and hats were key elements, while the Roar Bag took centre stage with new crocodile and lizard-effect variations. Puglisi’s kaleidoscopic designs embodied the brand’s spirit of daring elegance, paying homage to Cavalli’s colourful heritage.
Bringing iconic collections from Milan to Dubai, Roberto Cavalli’s debut on the DFW runway reflects the Emirate’s cementing status as a global fashion capital. Dubai’s rapidly expanding luxury market, robust platforms like DFW, cofounded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, and a diverse, fashion-forward audience are strengthening designer confidence in the city and broader region.
A week of global fashion excellence
The past week has seen the global and regional fashion industry convene at d3 over inspiring fashion shows, capsule launches, events, dinners, industry talks and networking opportunities. Enthusiasm among stakeholders has been at an all-time high, from top-tier media to buyers representing prestigious brands sitting front row at every show.
The latest edition of DFW brought to the runway more than 30 brands from the region, Asia, Europe and Central America. The first three days focused on dazzling haute couture collections, opened by world-famous Malaysian label Rizman Ruzaini, who announced at their show the opening of a Dubai boutique for the brand very soon. Three days of streetwear and ready-to-wear collections then followed, defining the fashion forecast for the season.
Among the key designer highlights was Michael Cinco debuting couture pieces evocative of ancient Roman fashion, smart-casual daily wear and the highly anticipated Michael Cinco Luxury Micro Diamond Collection. Mrs Keepa, also a DFW Member headquartered in d3, presented its Spring/Summer collection in the brand’s signature innovative fashion. Rather than a runway show, hand-picked buyers and media attended the premiere of the ‘Need Therapy’ collection, revealed through a poignant film at VOX Cinemas.
Other standout moments included the April & Alex SS25 collection, ‘Blossoming Seeds,’ which celebrates women’s transformative journey of growth and resilience, a high-fashion presentation by Emirati designer Heba Jasmi, and a tribute to femininity in all its forms by Dubai-based Lebanese designer Dima Ayad.
A significant highlight this edition was DFW’s strategic partnership with the Italian Trade Association for the inaugural ‘La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition’. The third edition of Threads Talks by Instagram brought together industry thought leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of fashion. From the potential of emerging retail formats to the power of storytelling, speakers shed light on the MENA region’s instrumental role in attracting and empowering fashion brands.
DFW extended its footprint further across Dubai with more than 40 exclusive dinners and launches for key fashion stakeholders. From Bil Arabi displaying its latest collection of bespoke luxury jewellery at Chez Wam to Swarovski introducing its ‘Created Diamonds’ collection made from 100% renewable energy and recycled gold and silver for the first time in the region at La Dame De Pic, DFW’s latest programme was a celebration of fashion excellence in all its forms.
To keep up with all DFW news, visit: https://www.instagram.com/dubaifashionweek.
About Dubai Design District (d3)
Dubai Design District (d3), a member of TECOM Group PJSC, is a global creative ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art. In line with Dubai’s position as the leading business destination for the region and beyond, d3 is an industry-pioneering concept that enables people and businesses to grow and co-create whilst simultaneously providing a solid platform for creativity. Strategically located in the heart of Dubai, d3 is one of the city’s lifestyle and business districts that challenges thousands of people to rethink the regular.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the needs of the industry and a business-friendly framework, the community offers creative talent the tools for collaboration and growth, further reinforcing Dubai’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design. d3 is a cutting-edge retail district offering a variety of multi-brand boutiques, fashion brands, and art and design studios. The world’s leading luxury brands, design companies and creatives, including architects, interior designers, photography studios, product and fashion designers, call d3 home. Some of the region’s most popular events take place in d3 and attract international artists and audiences to cultural and fashion exhibitions and gatherings such as Dubai Design Week, Dubai Fashion Week and Sole DXB. The district also regularly hosts a roster of industry talks, workshops and educational programming, accessible to people of all ages.
d3 is home to TECOM Group PJSC’s business incubator – in5 – that aims to support the fashion and design industries by offering students and entrepreneurs the opportunity to transform their ideas into successful commercial ventures. This ecosystem is further supported by the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), the region’s only university exclusively dedicated to design and innovation, which offers a curriculum crafted with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and The New School’s Parsons School of Design. The district also features the city’s first canal side recreational development, The Block. The open-air destination offers a range of different outdoor and leisure areas including a basketball and volleyball court, a skate park, outdoor gym and climbing wall.
For more information, please visit: www.dubaidesigndistrict.com.
About the Arab Fashion Council
The Dubai headquartered Arab Fashion Council® is the world’s largest non-profit fashion council and an INGO for the Arab world, representing the 22 members of the Arab League with the vision to build a creative economy by promoting regional designers globally.
For more information, please visit www.arabfashioncouncil.com.
