All The Highlights from Arab Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 22/23
From Michael Cinco to The Giving Movement, Bazaar Arabia shares all the details from last week’s shows…
Thirty-six designers from the region and beyond unveiled their latest couture AW 22/23 and SS23 ready-to-wear, as they took to the catwalk in partnership with the Arab Fashion Council (AFC) and Dubai Design District (d3). It was an extravaganza of a week; the AFW included a district-wide festival of food, music, shopping and panel discussions for the first time.
The Barbie collab with Lebanese couturier Jean-Louis Sabaji ruled the show, with a one-of-a-kind exhibit. The first Arab designer to work with the global icon, it was an exquisite display of feathers and the heart serve as Sabaji’s iconic hallmark, unapologetically confident pieces made its way down the catwalk from an ironic bodice, striking necklines and plunging backs.
Here, Bazaar Arabia shares a few highlights from last week’s shows…
The Giving Movement
The Giving Movement models marched down the catwalk in FityMade, all in an urban palette of grey, black, and white which set the tone for closing Arab Fashion Week. The Dubai-founded brand that pioneer ethically made and sustainable street wear, unleashed a collection mirroring the people of Dubai streets. Hijabs, silky pajamas, utilitarian track pants, t-shirts crisscrossed with hiking straps, and models clad in workout gear closed the curtain on one of the most dynamic fashion weeks.
Mena Talal
The Iraqi designer, known for her show-stopping wedding designs kicked off day four with couture looks, illustrating how Arab culture is evolving and modernizing with every silhouette and accent. High-neckline gowns fashioned with Nefertiti-eques crystal collars. More daring was the notable stand-out skin-tight tank dresses fashioned with thigh-high slits.
Michael Cinco
The Dubai based designer put on a spectacular show, with a sensational fall-winter 2023 collection showcasing artisanal stitching and satin. Cinco found inspiration from ancient history and Egyptian culture, finding details in the architecture, aesthetics to embellish his catwalk looks.
Ihab Jiryis
Northern-Palestine-based designer Ihab Jiryis had a theatrical concept of Fashion and Death with his fall-winter collection. His latest collection kicked off with an array of Angel of Darkness looks that were emboldened by shimmering gold trains and bodices that embraced the female figure like natural armor.
Born in Exile
The Libyan designer, Ibrahim Sheban used his designs to remind the world of the undiscovered beauty and influences of Libya. His collection, titled Never Love Me Again composed of leather jackets, trench coats and kandoras – demonstrating how society is rapidly evolving. A mosaic tile print emblazoned onto a mini skirt and jacket ensemble, sun dresses, and a tracksuit conjured the architectural treasures of Libya.
Nihan Peker
Turkish label Nihan Peker captivated the couture-loving market with a collection titled Golden Age. The designs shined a spotlight on the sort of high-end craftsmanship made possible by Turkish artisans and the Eurasian country’s rich heritage. Looks fit for the red carpets of Hollywood dazzled in hues of black and Fuschia, enhanced by upscale collars and gilded hand embroidery conjuring images of Byzantine landmarks. Peker’s signature white shirts took center stage as a ready-to-wear piece interpreted into a demi-couture context for an emboldened woman.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@michael5inco