Everything You Can Expect From Fashion Forward Season 10
The retail and entertainment areas are now bigger and better than ever. Here’s everything we know so far…
1 – The event is relocating
But not too far, don’t worry. Fashion Forward (FFWD) will still be held at Dubai Design District (d3), however the event is moving to a much larger area at the Design Quarter. The space has become the central component in the development of d3 and is already home to over 400 luxury, design and fashion businesses, which are headed up by over 6000 professionals.
2 – Runway shows and presentations will remain the focal point
Championing seasoned designers and giving new names in the business a platform to showcase their work for the first time has always been what FFWD is all about – and this season is no different. Ready-to-wear and couture collections will be presented to an audience of international and regional buyers, fashion editors, bloggers, influencers and industry insiders.
3 – Fashion talks aren’t going anywhere
Guest speakers will still be taking to the stage to share their pearls of sartorial wisdom. Previous names have included Bryan Boy, Huda Kattan and Scott Schuman of the renowned The Satorialist, so we’re officially on the edge of our seat to see who signs on this season.
4 – There are a whole host of new activities to enjoy
From runway shows by homegrown retail boutiques to creative installations, musical performances, a fashion cinema, library lounge and exciting beauty activations, FFWD just gave us six new reasons to head down to d3 this October.
5 – FFWD launches Fashion Future
The UAE’s answer to London’s Fashion East, Fashion Future is a showcase made up of a curated selection of student and graduate collections from top fashion schools across the globe, highlighting some of the most promising talent of the next generation. And if London’s designer support scheme is anything to go by, we must just see our success stories a la Roksanda Ilincic, Jonathan Saunders and House of Holland.
6 – Shopping will be bigger and better
FFWD favourite The Garden will be back for another season. This season, the retail space selling accessories from regional designers will feature a more extensive array of talent – as if we needed more reasons to part with out pay cheques!
7 – Archival pieces will be on display
Marking 10 successful seasons, FFWD will present retrospective exhibitions from its archives to the public. FFWD veterans can take a trip down memory lane, whereas fashion folk who are new to the UAE’s sartorial scene can educate themselves on the event’s most iconic moments over the years. The display will include stunning photographic galleries, exclusive behind the scenes shots, edgy street style snaps and the most memorable catwalk looks to date.
8 – FFWD launches d3 Preview
An open house concept for d3 residents to celebrate fashion through individual customized engagement opportunities, for the first time ever, d3 Preview will take place on 24 and 25 October. The preview is set to be great opportunity for the public to discover d3 through a fashion lens, while engaging with d3’s fashion houses, showrooms and establishments, in a stylish environment.
Fashion Forward will take place from 26 to 28 October